Economic Developent Committee

The mission of the Economic Development Committee is to build our understanding of economic development policies and practices in an effort geared towards advocating for various initiatives that will enhance the economic standing of the residents of this City. We examine a range of issues, including, but not limited to, housing, waterfront development and transportation. The committee invites leaders in Economic Development to discuss these issues with small working-groups of our members in pursuit of this mission.

Past Events:

“Land Use Policy in New York City,” September 14, 2006
Tom Angotti, Hunter College Department of Urban Affairs and Planning
Hope Cohen, Manhattan Institute Center for Rethinking Development

New York City's Retention Deals: Do Subsidies and Other Corporate Giveaways Really Work?
Bettina Damiani - Project Director,
Good Jobs New York ("GJNY")

The staff of Good Jobs New York investigates and publicizes the ways in which public resources are currently being used. GJNY has compiled a list of major economic development deals in New York City. To the extent possible, GJNY includes information on the commitments subsidized corporations made in exchange for their tax breaks or low-interest loans -- if these commitments were, in fact, ever made. GJNY will also provide information about accountability measures in use by other cities and states. GJNY aims to educate New Yorkers about the usefulness of these measures and how they can enhance New York's economic development practice.

Economic Development in Harlem: An Update

Wallace Ford II,
principal and founder
Fordworks Associates Inc

Wallace Ford II is also a professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, where he teaches public management. He spoke about the latest progress in economic development in Harlem and how the changes are affecting small business development.

Engine Failure: Report on New York City’s Failed Economic Development Policies

Jonathan Bowles
Research Director,
Center for an Urban Future

Jonathan Bowles discussed the Center for an Urban Future’s report, which stated the city needs to discard failed economic development policies of the past and establish a bold new vision for economic growth.

Join the Committee!

To join the Economic Development Committee, please contact DL21C at contact-dl21c -at- dl21c -dot- org.

Committee Co-Chairs:
Cordelia Persen
Oliver Wise