Background & History

ReDefining Economic Development NYC

Inspired by the Subsidy Accountability Strategy Sessions held in the spring of 2004, when over 40 organizations came together to learn and brainstorm about subsidy accountability and economic development, a number of organizations met and talked through the end of 2004 about working together on a campaign to make economic development in New York (especially when publicly subsidized or supported) more equitable and accountable in response to a range of local, national and global trends.

But we also recognized that the tremendous work done by groups throughout the City - creating and retaining quality jobs, securing wage and benefits regulation, setting housing and environmental standards – marked a new level of grassroots activism and strategic thinking by progressive policy advocates. The Pratt Center, Brennan Center, and Jobs with Justice thus decided that while a single catch-all campaign promoting progressive economic development might not yet be possible, we would continue to find ways to grow the movement—and the successes—for sustainable, accountable economic development.

Redefining Economic Development-NYCis what we have come with and what we expect to evolve with the leadership and participation of other organizations promoting progressive economic development in New York City.