Economic Development

The Urban Design Forum interviews Daphany Rose Sanchez, Executive Director of Kinetic Communities Consulting, on building a small business in the energy efficiency sector and achieving energy equity

Leading up to our Cooperative Works program, we are pleased to publish a series of interviews with leaders in sustainability in the built environment, inclusive economic development, and racial justice.

The Urban Design Forum interviews Maru Bautista, Director of the Cooperative Development Program at the Center for Family Life, on the benefits cooperative ownership can have in a community and the resiliency of cooperative models.

The Urban Design Forum interviews Sandra Lobo, Executive Director of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition on organizing around racial, environmental, and health justice and economic democracy.

The Urban Design Forum interviews Mark Chambers, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, on the City’s efforts to implement Local Law 97, expanding the tent of climate resistance, and prioritizing environmental justice communities in the vision for a greener future.

Daniel McPhee sits down with James Nozar, CEO of Strategic Property Partners, to discuss how he has worked collaboratively with Mayor Jane Castor to leverage Water Street's unique single investment structure to streamline design and development and build a new ground-up urban hub for Tampa.

Daniel McPhee sits down with Chris to discuss how Waterfront Toronto's lengthy public engagement process resulted in detailed block plans specifying architectural character and use, as well as major investments in the public realm.

Restricting non-manufacturing uses is essential to the success of City industrial policy.

To respond to the climate crisis, New York City must preserve M-zones and invest in manufacturing and industrial innovation.

Public investments in open space, retail, and streetscapes can promote economic development by connecting and enriching New York’s life sciences hubs.

Coworking spaces should reflect the identity of their attracted members in order to thrive at work.

Activate underutilized NYCHA spaces with workspaces for residents.

Design flexible campuses and flexible laboratory space that allow for easy growth and future modifications.

New York City should invest in non-profit organizations and spaces to create a safe ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs and creatives.

By Gretchen Dykstra The heart of Manhattan was reborn when the Times Square Business Improvement District (BID) was established in 1992, led by Gretchen Dykstra. Dykstra went on to serve as Commissioner of Consumer Affairs under Mayor Bloomberg, and was the Founding President of the National 9/11 Memorial Foundation. Today, she lives in the Hudson […]