Annual Report 2000

2000 Outlook

New York City's economy is expanding. Tax revenues are at all-time highs. For the first time in decades, private and pubic sector leaders are considering implementation of a wide range of large-scale, City-shaping projects -- from major rail extensions to a bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

Taking full advantage of the current economic climate, however, is by no means assured. On this and the following page, New York Building Congress Vice-Chairmen -- representing labor, architecture, engineering, construction and development -- discuss how industry and government can set the stage for long-term economic growth.

	Marilyn Jordan Taylor, Partner Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP What New York needs moving forward is a spirit of inspiration, the kind that has made consideration of a new and improved Penn Station possible. This project is succeeding because it captures the imagination of New Yorkers. We should not limit ourselves to one grand project for each generation. Government and our industry should seize this moment of prosperity and begin work on several projects, such as Governor's Island, the 2012 Olympics, and the many essential transportation initiatives that can ignite the pride of all New Yorkers.
	Daniel R. Tishman, President and CEO Tishman Construction Corporation - An AECOM Company We are fortunate in New York to have the world's most talented designers, engineers, builders, contractors, and trade unions, who execute the most complicated and technologically advanced projects on the planet. We set the standards for building excellence and innovation, not only for our great City, but globally. In these robust times and in the inevitable slow times, it is of utmost importance for us to maintain the highest levels of integrity and professionalism, while staying competitive, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
	Edward J. Malloy, President Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York During this time of prosperity, New York needs to take steps to prepare for the next economic downturn. The industry should work with government to design essential projects and reserve money now for infrastructure investment when times are lean. This would ensure that work continues even during difficult times. Such an approach benefits the City by ensuring uninterrupted capital improvements and stable employment for its working men and women.
	Richard S. Hayden, Managing Principal Swanke Hayden Connell Architects A strong economy has produced an environment conducive to private sector construction. At a time when developers, lenders and businesses are ready, willing and able to invest in new construction and modernization of existing facilities, New York should streamline burdensome building regulations and procedures. Through sensible programs aimed at eliminating duplication, needless delays and unnecessary project costs, we can remove obstacles to private investments in quality design projects and improvements to our capital plant.
	Stuart E. Graham, President and CEO Skanska USA, Inc We are in a period in which City and State governments are running record surpluses, yet precious little financial resources are dedicated solely to capital investments needed to sustain our prosperity. While the MTA and Boardof Education's recent multi-year capital plans have been well received, government must devise strategies to securely fund them. Building for the future requires identification of ongoing revenue streams that are separate from operating budgets and thus immune to yearly budgetary maneuvering.
	Michael S. Della Rocca, Chairman and CEO Raytheon Infrastructure With a booming local economy, New York City has before it a golden opportunity to prepare for large-scale development that would be extraordinarily rewarding for the future. City and State agencies need to find ways to engage the private sector in projects such as the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, the Second Avenue Subway and rail access to LaGuardia Airport. The benefits of such public/ private partnerships in terms of jobs, revenues and civic pride would more than offset the costs.