For Immediate Release: June 8, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Papagianakis; mp@buildingcongress.com; 212.481.9230 ext. 125
Anne Smith; anne.smith@berlinrosen.com; 917-751-4839
To Save the City’s Future, Coalition Calls on Mayor de Blasio to Fully Fund the 2021 Capital Budget
Dozens of New York City Organizations Sign Letter Calling for New York City to Keep Building as It Starts to Recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic
NEW YORK, NY -- In a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio released today, organizations representing a wide variety of New York City industries and sectors – from arts and culture and parks to housing and business advocates – are urging the Mayor to retract his proposed cuts to the FY2021 Capital Budget. Capital investment is necessary to help the economy recover from the impact of the Coronavirus. As one of the hardest hit cities in the nation, New York City businesses and organizations are relying on this funding to stay open and keep employees on payroll.
The signatories of the letter raised deep concerns with the drastic cuts that have been proposed to the capital budget in a cost-saving effort. Given the ways in which capital funding is allocated over phases, which can be years long, cutting this funding now will impact the planning, pre-construction and construction work city vendors, including minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs), rely on to keep their companies afloat. These budget cuts, if implemented, will delay New York City’s recovery, cut jobs and postpone resurgence. History shows that large investments in public works during times of emergency have a track record of transforming the city for the better, creating good-paying, local jobs and spurring additional economic growth.
“Now more than ever, we must keep New York building,” said Carlo A. Scissura, New York Building Congress President and CEO. “Infrastructure, public works and the City’s capital projects are not only at the heart of the economy, but they are critical to maintaining our city’s status as a global leader, from well-maintained parks and reliable public transportation to quality schools and libraries, world-class public hospitals and access to affordable housing. For the future of our city, we cannot allow the capital budget to be cut.”
“Recovering and reopening successfully in the face of the public health and economic challenges we face will depend on our making the right choices. Fully investing in our capital budget is undoubtedly the right choice for New Yorkers,” said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., Chair, Committee on Housing and Buildings. “Our infrastructure is at the center of job creation, economic vitality, and the long-term well-being of our communities. I stand with colleagues and advocates in support of making the capital budget investments that will secure the future of affordable housing, public health, small business, and so much more for our shared communities.”
"Protecting funding for the FY21 Capital Budget will ensure our city’s infrastructure needs are met while creating thousands of reliable, good-paying jobs. Our city's revival depends on our ability to create economic growth and prosperity for all New Yorkers," said Council Member Mark Treyger, Chair, Committee on Education.
This is a very difficult time for all New Yorkers and businesses, many of which are small and/or MWBEs that are hoping to diversify the city’s building and construction industries. Prior to the pandemic, the building industry represented one of the most significant revenue drivers for the city, with $61.5 billion spent in 2019, employing 398,400 workers across the five boroughs. With capital funding at risk, many small businesses are reviewing how to retain their employees and stay open. As the city starts to reopen, significant investment in 21st century infrastructure is necessary to recover from the pandemic.
This coalition includes the following organizations:
- Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York;
- American Council of Engineering Companies of New York;
- American Institute of Architects New York;
- Associated General Contractors of New York State;
- Bronx Chamber of Commerce;
- Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce;
- Brooklyn Public Library;
- Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York;
- Building Trades Employers’ Association;
- Citizens Housing and Planning Council;
- City Parks Foundation;
- Design Trust for Public Space;
- Downtown Brooklyn Partnership;
- General Contractors Association of New York;
- Grand Central Partnership;
- Hudson River Park Friends;
- Hudson Yards Hell's Kitchen Alliance;
- Long Island City Partnership;
- Madison Square Park Conservancy;
- National Association of Minority Contractors, NY Tri-State Chapter;
- New York Building Congress;
- New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO;
- New York Metropolitan Trucking Association;
- New York Public Library;
- New York Restoration Project;
- New York State Association for Affordable Housing;
- New Yorkers for Parks;
- Queens Chamber of Commerce;
- Queens Public Library;
- Riverside Park Conservancy;
- Staten Island Economic Development Corporation;
- Waterfront Alliance.
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About New York Building Congress:
The New York Building Congress, a broad-based membership association celebrating its 99th year, is committed to promoting the growth and success of the construction industry in New York City and its environs. Learn more about the New York Building Congress at www.buildingcongress.com.
