NYCEDC Development Finance Conference: What's Next?

Karp Strategies was thrilled to join the conversation at this week’s NYCEDC Development Finance Conference: Investing in Impact in NYC. As a team, we love bridging the high-level strategy with a tactical, on-the-ground approach to change at the neighborhood, borough, city, and regional level. The myriad of great discussions and smart speakers triggered a set of conversations and questions in our office the next morning. Together, we’re eager to explore:

• What is the full set of potential vehicles for investments in Opportunity Zones? Given the tight timeline in which investments must be made, how can communities and officials assess whether the investment will support the long-term health of the neighborhood?

• As the city emphasizes and prioritizes investments in life sciences and cybersecurity, how do we build and strengthen pathways into careers in those industries for people without a college education?

• In a city where the majority of buildings are built as-of-right, how can we make public participation in rezoning processes more productive to allow the natural growth and evolution of the city in a way that is comfortable and respectful of community members?

We love helping our clients think through big questions and develop concrete strategies to address them. Reach out if you have your own questions or projects you’re trying to tackle!

#economicdevelopment #NYCEDC #OpportunityZones

Inclusive Public Spaces on Staten Island's North Shore

How can we design vibrant public spaces that support communities, not displace them? Karp Strategies is currently working with the Staten Island Economic Development Corp. (SIEDC) to ask this question in Port Richmond, a North Shore neighborhood struggling with disinvestment. The area has a half-mile stretch of retired elevated rail line and SIEDC is exploring the idea of a ‘Skyway’ to create a community park that serves as a space for physical activity, transit, and safe and healthy events. Stay tuned for more details as we hear from the Port Richmond community next week!

#adaptivereuse #stakeholderengagement #economicdevelopment

BIDs and Creative Problem Solving at NYC IDA Ideas Forum

Last week, the Karp Strategies team was in action facilitating at the NYC International Downtown Association Ideas Forum. The convening gathered people from global place management organizations, like New York City’s business improvement districts (BIDs), to exchange knowledge about the challenges and opportunities they each face as cities evolve. Members of the Karp Strategies team, working with colleagues from the NYC Department of Small Business Services, the Times Square Alliance and EmcArts, guided urban practitioners from government, BIDs, and other service providers through breakout sessions to explore best practices and collaborate on possible solutions. Thank you to our partners and all of those who participated in a day full of creative problem solving!

#placemaking #smallbusiness #downtown #economicdevelopment