Building Congress Event
Construction Industry Breakfast Forum
NYC EDC SEEKS TO BALANCE COMPETING STATISTICS
New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) President and CEO Maria Torres-Springer said the de Blasio administration is committed to growing the economy, in a way that promotes inclusion, diversity, and access to opportunity for all New Yorkers across the five boroughs, during her keynote remarks at an October 29 New York Building Congress Construction Industry Breakfast Forum at the New York Hilton Midtown.
The Forum also featured the release of the new Building Congress report, New York City Construction Outlook 2015-2017. Building Congress President Richard T. Anderson provided a detailed summary of the report, which forecasts $120 billion in total construction spending and more than 130,000 jobs annually through 2017. For additional information on the report, please click here.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
During her presentation, Ms. Torres-Springer said that "New York City is more vibrant than ever." She cited record levels of employment and tourism, while also mentioning that more Fortune 500 companies are located in New York than any other city in the world. In a nod to the Building Congress forecast, she noted that the recent surge in private sector construction spending is a "vote of confidence in the continued vitality of the City."
Ms. Torres-Springer added, "We are, however, a City of many challenges. The positive statistics only tell part of the story." She said too many New Yorkers remain burdened by income inequality, high rents, and a lagging 21st century infrastructure. The main goal of the EDC, along with Mayor de Blasio, is to balance the equation between these conflicting statistics.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
She discussed the EDC's two main objectives: neighborhood building and job creation. The first part involves continued investment in dynamic and resilient neighborhoods, she explained, before updating the 300 people assembled about the City's ongoing efforts in such neighborhoods as the North Shore of Staten Island, Coney Island, the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, and Sunnyside, Queens.
The City is also dedicated to promoting solid 21st century jobs for its residents. This effort incorporates three major components: improving on private sector growth with a focus on the industrial trade; making sure businesses have access to all available tools; and increasing opportunities for residents of all five boroughs through such initiatives as Mayor de Blasio's "Hire NYC" program.
Ms. Torres-Springer concluded by saying that the City is committed to "ensuring the people of the City really benefit from all the investments we are making."
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
