All posts in “News”

Partner Bret Collazzi Served as a Panelist for Urban Land Institute New York’s TAP Report that Reveals Strategies for Inclusive Economic Growth in the Bronx

July 10, 2024 / No Comments

Urban Land Institute New York’s latest TAP report is out with recommendations on how to leverage a new Metro-North station in the Bronx’s Morris Park neighborhood to drive inclusive economic growth. HR&A Partner Bret Collazzi, who grew up less than a mile away from the station, served on the TAP last December and contributed to the report’s recommendations. The report highlights how the new transit link, set for completion in 2027, can support the future growth of Montefiore Health System’s Morris Park campus, one of the Bronx’s largest employers and a regional center of health science education and research. 

 

The report emphasizes the need for improved campus connections, branding, and activation of existing and new spaces to benefit both the health system and the surrounding neighborhood. We’re excited to see Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and local partners seize this incredible opportunity in the years ahead. 

 

“In pursuit of answers to Montefiore’s questions, the panel first identified a framework that needs to be in place to support any improvements to the system’s campus. Refine Montefiore’s identity and branding:  Montefiore has an excellent reputation in the community, yet it is unclear where the campus begins or ends or, following recent acquisitions, which buildings are part of the system’s network. The campus needs branding assistance and wayfinding signage, featuring this brand, is needed at the gateways to campus, along the sidewalks, at buildings, and more. Branded signage will also be critical at the train station to help guide transit riders to the campus.”

 

Read the full report here.

 

HR&A Report for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) finds that 1 in 5 California Households Lack Basic Banking Services, New Program Would Save Billions

June 27, 2024 / No Comments

This news announcement is based on a press release that was originally issued by Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

 

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) released a report conducted by HR&A Advisors, which reveals that 1 in 5 California households cannot access basic financial services such as checking and savings accounts and debit cards, underscoring the ongoing crisis of underbanking that restricts financial opportunities for many California families, particularly in communities of color. The report finds that the proposed CalAccount program, a free, public banking option for Californians that the State of California is considering, would save un- and underbanked Californians a total of over $3 billion a year and generate $5 billion in economic activity.

 

When they cannot access banking services, low-income Californians have to rely on alternative financial service providers like pawn shops and check cashers, which can be costly, predatory and exacerbate their already precarious economic situations. For Californians without access to reliable, foundational banking services, financial stability remains out of reach. 

 

The report details how the lack of adequate access to basic financial services hurts California’s families, communities and statewide economy. Specifically, it finds: 

  • Seven million Californians are either unbanked, meaning they do not have a bank account – or underbanked, meaning they rely on costly alternative financial services
  • Black households are 3.5 times more likely to be underbanked than white households
  • Black, Latino/a, and single-female headed households are most likely to be underbanked or unbanked
  • 61% of unbanked households make less than $30,000 annually and 41% make less than $15,000 annually. 40% of underbanked households make more than $75,000 per year
  • Underbanking is of particular concern to California’s rural communities as 70% of census tracts in California do not have any physical banking outlets and another 15% have only one banking outlet
  • The widespread lack of adequate access to basic banking services costs Californians $3.1 billion each year
  • Saving Californians from overdraft fees, account maintenance fees, ATM fees, money orders, and check cashing with CalAccount, will generate $5 billion in the California economy

 

HR&A Advisors found that a solution like CalAccount is necessary to help address the financial service access gap and could be feasible for the State to implement. The proposed CalAccount program, currently under consideration by the CalAccount Blue Ribbon Commission, would generate billions and help Californians keep more of their hard-earned money instead of paying fees to banks or check cashers. 

 

Public Banking Option Would Reduce Income Inequality, Lift Low-Income Communities 

Even Californians with access to traditional banking services have to pay exorbitant fees for transactions, account maintenance, ATM use, money orders, check cashing and more. Current barriers to financial services leave Californians vulnerable to predatory lending and other financial risks. With a fee-free public banking service option like CalAccount, unbanked and underbanked households would on average save $1,300 a year, with many households saving much more. 

 

While the report finds households across income levels are underbanked, banking services are most out of reach for single parents, low-income households and communities of color. Low-income, Black, brown, single-parent and immigrant households face arbitrary requirements, like minimum account balances, to access basic banking services that are the building blocks to economic stability and security. These practices trap families in a cycle of debt, making it nearly impossible to save for emergencies or build a secure future. Meanwhile, the same fees that exclude these families from access to banking provide billions of dollars in revenue to some of the largest U.S. banks. 

 

As the report explains, a public banking option like CalAccount would narrow the financial services gap, increase opportunities for low-income communities to build wealth and put financial stability within reach for the Black, Latino/a, and single-female headed households which are most likely to be underbanked or unbanked. CalAccount is a common-sense solution that ensures all Californians have access to free basic services which are critical to financial security. 

 

You can read the full report here.

Join us for an Educational Webinar on Digital Equity and Opportunity Collaborative Funding Design 

June 26, 2024 / No Comments

HR&A and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) are hosting an educational webinar on July 19, 12 PM Central (10aPT / 1pET) focused on bridging the gap between digital equity and opportunity grant-makers and grant-seekers. Register today!

 

We’ll share best practices from MHM’s approach to designing its $21 million digital equity grant program with an emphasis on capacity building and ecosystem development. We’ll also discuss the importance of designing digital equity and opportunity programs towards outcomes like health access and workforce development, shedding light on how organizations can expand their impact beyond just getting people online.

 

Helping to Make the Most of a Pivotal Year

2024 marks a pivotal year for digital equity funding, with billions of dollars from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act beginning to flow to implementation partners. States, local and tribal governments, nonprofits, anchor institutions, philanthropies, and private sector partners all have roles to play in allocating funds, pursuing funds, or both.

 

Our discussion will cover:

  1. How to design a grant program that supports grantee capacity building and long-term success;
  2. Designing for integration into a strong digital equity and opportunity ecosystem
  3. How to prioritize and communicate the outcomes of digital equity programming (e.g. improved health outcomes) to bring a diverse group of funders and grantees to the table;
  4. Tactical grant-making lessons learned so far.

A Conversation with Susy Vaca, HR&A’s New Chief People and Culture Officer

June 19, 2024 / No Comments

In this conversation with our Chief People and Culture Officer, we discuss the “secret sauce” for building a strong culture, our commitment to Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and what makes a great mentor.

 

Can you talk a little bit about your background and what brought you to HR&A?

 

I’ve spent 20 years in human resources, primarily as a business partner in professional services firms. That includes all things onboarding, performance management, compensation, offboarding, and everything in between — and there’s so much in between!

 

I gravitate towards being purposeful and intentional regarding things like engagement, retention, aligning mission and purpose with the employee experience. Post COVID, many experienced professionals — myself included — did a lot of reflection about how we spend our days at work. In many ways, work identifies who you are and what you value.

 

It’s important to ensure the time you spend in your professional life is value accretive to your overall growth as a person. When I found the opportunity at HR&A, it seemed like a complete slam dunk. The work HR&A does in the world and our mission to improve people’s lives really resonated with me. I’m excited to be part of it.

 

 

What is the “secret sauce” for managing people and creating a strong culture in an organization?

 

Throughout my years doing this work, I’ve really enjoyed learning the business and figuring out how we best align talent strategies to help execute business goals. What’s always resonated with me is when I’m working with leaders who think of people first. Once you have that at the center, people have what they need to be successful and feel supported in their advancement and growth. Everything else follows.

 

For me, optimal culture is one where people feel cared for, appreciated, valued, and aligned in purpose in their roles. Who doesn’t like to feel appreciated? Who doesn’t like to feel cared for? When you’re operating from that place, everything can be accomplished with grace and appreciation along the way. It sounds simple, right? But, of course it isn’t — you need to bring intention to the work and make sure you’re dealing with things that get in the way.

 

HR&A has made significant investments in integrating Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) into everything we do. How are you hoping to continue that work?

 

My role is uniquely positioned to focus on both people and culture, and the company continues to embed ADEI into everything it does, which speaks volumes about HR&A’s unwavering commitment to ADEI.  As a HR leader and first-generation Latina, I’m especially invested in continuing to build a company that reflects the communities we serve and welcomes everyone to bring their authentic self to work. It’s also so important for folks internally to feel supported and look around to see themselves reflected in their colleagues.

 

There’s a lot of work that continues to need to be done, and it’s a priority in this next chapter for the firm. I’m looking forward to continuing to advance our ADEI investments and committments. It’s not only an important part of our culture, but also a value we bring to our clients that differentiates us.

 

 

What makes an excellent mentor?

 

A mentor is someone you can have a very thought-provoking conversation with you about how to move the needle on something important  — and that means different things to different people. My mentors have either been HR leaders who I’ve worked with tackling employee or culture problems in creative ways or business leaders who are incredibly savvy and understand the value of investing in people. I’ve been able to learn from both kinds of mentors and they were excellent in different ways.

 

Having a range of mentors, sponsors, allies, and other kinds of support throughout your career is so important. The more you have people around you — your community, inside and outside of where you’re working — the more you’ll grow as a professional.

 

Looking to the future, how do you see emerging technologies like AI and new ways of working impacting our workforce?

 

When we’re thinking about integrating new tools or emerging technologies, our guiding principle should always be: how can they help our people thrive and do the work they love? It all comes down to ensuring that we’re an employer of choice. We want people to feel supported and aligned with their passions. We want them to feel like they are spending their time meaningfully and are growing professionally.

 

The work is the work, and the ways to get from A to Z will change based on technology and new processes, but what doesn’t change is the human experience of that work. In every room I enter, with every new tool or method we’re incorporating into how we do what we do, I’m thinking of the employee mindset. How does this impact an employee from their chair? If you center the human experience, the rest will fall into place.

 

Learn more about Susy. 

A Conversation with Desmond Hunte, HR&A’s New Chief Finance and Operations Officer

June 19, 2024 / No Comments

We sat down with HR&A’s new Chief Finance and Operations Officer to discuss the future of HR&A and the work he’s doing to support our growth to tackle even greater challenges in cities and communities across the globe.

 

Can you share a little bit about your background and what brought you to HR&A?

 

I started my career doing economic and business and strategy analysis for a bank that was focused on improving mortgages and lending for low- to moderate-income, first time, and minority homebuyers. As my career progressed, I worked for organizations like Wells Fargo; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and lobbying and consulting firm Michael Best Strategies. In many ways HR&A’s mission feels like a “full circle” moment.

 

HR&A presented a unique opportunity to connect my career experiences and my values. I want to work for a successful business that also has positive impact on the communities where we work and live.

 

 

What are you looking forward to in the next year as HR&A’s Chief Finance and Operations Officer?

 

As our finance and operations leader, my main goal is always to make things work seamlessly so the “experts can expert.” That’s really been my philosophy everywhere I’ve gone, whether it’s with bankers, policy experts, or government agencies around the world. It’s about creating an environment that allows the experts to focus on what they do best — producing excellent work for our clients and communities — by streamlining the stuff that can get in the way.

 

My team is focused on building systems so that our clients and project teams can maximize their impact. If I can save the organization 20 minutes a day, that’s 20 minutes more that we can serve as experts. Also, those 20 minutes spent more productively have a positive impact on our bottom line, our staff’s happiness at work, and the communities we serve. So, in a myriad of ways, I’m looking forward to building systems that amplify those results over the next year.

 

HR&A is company with an almost 50-year history, and with Jeff Hébert stepping into the role of CEO in early 2024, we’re embarking on a new chapter. As a core member of his Executive Leadership Team, what do you think are the opportunities and challenges facing a company like HR&A at a pivotal moments like this?      

 

HR&A is in a great position because our our  entrepreneurial spirit, and  committment to  tackling even bigger projects and challenges. With that in mind,  every company reaches a stage in its growth when you need to step back and evaluate the systems you have in place and how they will grow with you. No one in our industry matches HR&A in terms of the level of excellence in our client work, and I want to make sure the internal structure supporting that work mirrors that excellence and even raises the bar. It all comes back to streamlining how we do business to ensure our “experts can expert.”

 

HR&A has demonstrated that changing and adapting is part of its DNA. That’s a huge opportunity, because change is hard for most organizations. At HR&A, there’s an openness to evolving that will serve us well. In the end, everything we’re doing is with the goal of serving our clients and helping our employees be more efficient, productive, and happier at work.

 

 

How do you manage implementing change and growth without losing what makes a company like HR&A special?

 

I’ve been around a lot of professional services organizations in my career, and HR&A offers a uniquely customized, hands-on, and action-oriented approach to our work. We’re not just taking things off the shelf and reselling them to clients as something new for the sake of greater profit. No matter how much we grow, we can’t get away from the customized and committed way we deliver our work, because it’s what makes us special. I’m here to help make sure we can stay true to who we are while we grow to become even better.

 

Learn more about Desmond.

Governor Hochul Announces Transformative Projects for NYC: HR&A Advisors Celebrates Community Development in East Harlem, Garment District, and Far Rockaway

June 10, 2024 / No Comments

Governor Kathy Hochul announced 19 transformative projects for New York City under the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward programs. This investment aims to create vibrant and livable communities in East Harlem, the Garment District, and Far Rockaway.  

 

HR&A Advisors are thrilled to congratulate the recipients of the DRI and NY Forward awards! We are incredibly proud to have served and engaged with these communities, helping to develop projects that will catalyze growth and improve the lives of residents. Congratulations to all the award recipients! 

 

In East Harlem, the winner of a $10 million DRI award, ten projects will support local businesses, enhance community health, and preserve cultural heritage. Key projects include a $956,000 Community Wellness and Healthy Food Center to transform a thrift store into a wellness center offering healthy food, cooking classes, and health screenings. The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute will receive $1.4 million for structural improvements and expanded community space. There will be a $1 million investment in storefront revitalization along East 116th Street, and $2 million will go towards transforming the 125th Street Plaza to enhance community spaces and introduce artistic elements. HR&A Advisors supported the planning team led by MUD Workshop that guided the East Harlem community through the DRI process. 

 

In the Garment District, a $4.5 million NY Forward award will support four projects aimed at bolstering the local fashion industry and improving public spaces. These include a $1.086 million Fashion Career Design Hub to create a training and coworking space for fashion professionals, a $1.5 million Technology Grant Fund to support fashion manufacturers and studios, $587,000 for green initiatives like street trees and planters, and $1.327 million for pedestrian walkway improvements along Seventh and Eighth Avenues. HR&A served as lead consultant for the NY Forward process in the Garment District, joined by MUD Workshop. 

 

Far Rockaway, another $4.5 million NY Forward winner, will see five projects aimed at revitalizing the community. These include the $2.44 million Rockaway Music, Arts & Cultural Center to transform the O’Kane Building into a cultural hub, $196,000 for Community Justice Center renovations, $1.233 million for a new affordable daycare center at JCCRP, $368,000 for maternal healthcare modernization at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, and $263,000 for modern waste bins and wayfinding signs to improve waste management and signage. HR&A was lead consultant assisting members of the Far Rockaway community throughout the NY Forward process, partnering with Fu Wilmers Design (FWD).  

 

HR&A Advisors is proud to support these transformative efforts to foster livable, vibrant, and resilient NYC communities through our continuing strategic planning and consulting efforts. Since 2017, HR&A has supported 12 communities throughout New York in the DRI and NY Forward programs.

 

Photo: Rachel Martin
 

Welcoming the 2024 Class of HR&A Summer Fellows!

June 7, 2024 / No Comments

The Summer Analyst Fellowship is a 10-week program offering the opportunity to engage in projects and skills aligned with core analytical staff at HR&A. Fellows have the opportunity to work as integrated members of our project teams and build their skills in market analysis, case study research, econometric modeling, spatial analysis, preparation of real estate pro formas for a range of uses, and public-private structures, and public policy analysis.

 

Fellows can work from any of our six offices in New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Raleigh, or Washington, DC, and they may help prepare written reports, presentations, and Excel models for clients, as well as firm marketing materials and proposals for new projects. Each Fellow is assigned an Advisor to help set goals and make the most of the experience, and many members of HR&A’s team started as Analyst Fellows.

 

 

Meet HR&A’s 2024 Summer Fellows! 

 

 

Clara Bonzi Teixeira (She/her/hers) 

Clara provides research and analytical recommendations to drive social and environmental justice initiatives.

 

Clara is currently closing out a virtual internship with the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon’s Political/Economic Section, where she is engaged in tracking political, social, and economic developments that align with U.S. foreign policy objectives. She provides insights and guidance for the Embassy team through research on topics such as climate initiatives, foreign investment, and policy compliance with international and EU regulations.

 

Previously, Clara served as an Implementation Science Fellow at Family Health International 360 in Durham, NC, where she supported the research utilization team on two public health projects. Clara also worked as a Geoprocessing Intern at Itaipu Binacional Hydroelectric Dam in Brazil, where she researched the social and health impacts of the local wastewater management program and engaged with the community through various outreach initiatives. Alongside her experience as a Research Assistant working on maternal health community programs at the Duke University Center for Child and Family Policy, Clara has developed knowledge and interest in measuring environmental and health outcomes in a policy context.

 

As an undergraduate, Clara conducted long-term research as a part of a team studying disparities in voter access among key demographic groups. She analyzed state electoral policies against Census data to observe the effects of specific initiatives on voter access among marginalized groups.

 

Clara will graduate from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Studies in May 2024. She is proficient in Portuguese and French.

 

 

Olivia Glen-Rayner (She/her/hers) 

 

Olivia brings her public service, campaign, and non-profit experience to solve the complex issues that cities face today.

 

Before joining HR&A, Olivia worked for the US House of Representatives in Congressman Nadler’s New York office.She advised the Congressman on local issues and priorities, crafted and evaluated policy to respond to district issues, and worked with other elected officials for a coordinated response. Additionally, she served as the Congressman’s representative on several working groups, Community Boards, and other governing bodies. Prior to her congressional role, Olivia held positions on high-profile presidential, Senate, House, and City Council races including as Campaign Manager of the historic NY-12 primary race in 2022. She is an AmeriCorps VISTA alumna.

 

Olivia is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. She is the incoming President of the Urban Policy Student Association. Olivia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota.

 

 

Steven Duncan (He/him/his) 

Steven Duncan is an accomplished urbanist and GIS analyst, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Urban Planning at Columbia University.

With a profound background in environmental and human security studies, Steven is originally from Utqiagvik, Alaska, and is passionate about using spatial technology to enhance sustainability and advocate for historically marginalized communities.

 

Throughout his career, Steven has gathered significant experience at organizations such as Hexagon US Federal, where he used geospatial technologies to assess urban flood risks. His role at Navanti Group involved addressing critical regional issues such as ethnic conflicts and food security in North Africa and the Sahel. Additionally, Steven has extensive experience in communications and public relations, having worked with the French Embassy and various nonprofit organizations.

 

Steven holds dual bachelor degrees in Human Security & Geospatial Intelligence and French from the University of Southern California, showcasing his multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to fostering resilient and inclusive communities through innovative urban planning solutions.

 

 

Tupelo Sullivan (She/her/hers) 

 

Based in the New York office, Tupelo brings her background in climate adaptation policy and community engagement, alongside her passion for sustainable transportation planning and urban resilience.

 

Prior to joining HR&A, Tupelo worked as an Environment and Sustainability Intern for the City of Miami Beach. There, she helped develop the city’s Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Adaptation Plan to understand social vulnerability to sea level rise. She also assisted in the city’s application process for Inflation Reduction Act funding for its various sustainability initiatives. Her undergraduate thesis examined opinions surrounding a managed retreat strategy in Pacifica, CA, using both qualitative content analysis and spatial analysis to investigate how residents responded to the policy and the factors that contributed to their perception of it.

 

Tupelo holds a B.A in Urban Studies with a specialization in Sustainable Development from Columbia University.

 

 

Pike Place Market Adopts Master Plan to Secure its Future as Seattle’s Iconic Landmark

May 21, 2024 / No Comments

This press release was originally issued by Pike Place Market.

 

Seattle, WA – Pike Place Market, the heartbeat of Seattle for over a century, has revealed an innovative Master Plan aimed at securing its future as the vibrant soul of the city. Developed in response to operational challenges and changing external forces, the Master Plan charts a course for the Market’s sustained success while honoring its rich heritage and authentic character.

 

The Market is faced with an exciting array of opportunities amidst its diverse challenges. From meeting operational demands to adapting to rapidly evolving external factors, such as changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns, there’s an abundance of potential for growth and revitalization. By embracing a Master Plan, the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority (PDA) can address these challenges head-on and unlock the Market’s full potential for enduring prosperity. This plan is not just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about embracing our rich history and authentic identity while building a sustainable Market for the next 50 years.

 

Mary Bacarella, Executive Director of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA), expressed her enthusiasm for the plan, stating, “The Pike Place Market Master Plan ensures the authentic preservation of our beloved Market while paving the way for a thriving future. This plan honors our historic purpose and commitment to the community.”

 

The Master Plan, spearheaded by the PDA Council, is endorsed by Devin McComb, Chair of the PDA Council, who remarked, “This plan offers a roadmap for the future of Pike Place Market. It encourages innovation, diversity, and inclusivity, ensuring that the Market remains a beacon of opportunity and connection for generations to come.”

 

Since 1907 Pike Place Market has embodied the essence of Seattle—a dynamic blend of culture, commerce, and community. Recognizing the Market’s vital role in the city’s fabric, the PDA Council initiated the Master Plan to address operational pressures and seize emerging opportunities. The PDA hired HR&A Advisors to guide the PDA through the Master Plan process, a consulting firm with significant experience developing Master Plans around the U.S. for entities similar in complexity to the Pike Place Market. HR&A assembled a project team consisting of BERK Consulting, Mithun, and MRA International.

 

The vision for Pike Place Market in the next 50 years is one of a supportive, diverse community and a thriving center of Pacific Northwest food, commerce, and culture. Grounded in its historic purpose, the Market will continue to serve as a community for gathering and entrepreneurship, while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 

The Master Plan outlines three foundational goals:

    1. Ensure long-term financial sustainability
    2. Increase local patronage
    3. Advance a diverse, equitable, and inclusive Market

 

To achieve these goals, four key strategies have been devised:

    1. Pacific Northwest Food Life to Reattract Locals and Reenergize the Market’s Farmer Program: This strategy aims to embrace the essence of Pacific Northwest food culture to attract more local visitors and support farmers, ensuring financial sustainability while staying true to the Market’s historic purpose.
    2. Business Supports to Promote Local Entrepreneurship and Craftspeople: Focused on fostering a thriving ecosystem of local businesses, this strategy includes initiatives such as temporary spaces for small business incubation and technical assistance programs to support entrepreneurship and preserve the Market’s unique character.
    3. Sustainable Physical Investments to Maintain and Adapt the Market: This strategy prioritizes targeted capital investments in key areas of the Market, including Pike Place, First Avenue, and Western Avenue, to enhance accessibility, wayfinding, and environmental sustainability, ensuring a vibrant and resilient Market for generations to come.
    4. Partnerships to Amplify the Market as the Soul of Seattle: Recognizing the Market’s role as a provider of social services and a cultural landmark, this strategy focuses on strengthening partnerships and advocacy efforts to amplify the Market’s impact and ensure its continued relevance in the community.

 

The Master Plan reflects extensive community engagement, incorporating input from Market stakeholders, Market businesses and PDA staff. It remains flexible, allowing for regular revisiting and adjustment to meet evolving needs. Deeper engagement with the public and Market community is a priority that will continue through the Master Plan implementation to ensure inclusivity and accountability.

 

Partnerships are essential to the success of the Pike Place Market Master Plan. The Market invites stakeholders, organizations, and individuals to work together in shaping its future. Whether through advocacy or collaboration, all are welcome to engage with the Market on this transformative journey.

 

For more information on the Pike Place Market Master Plan and how to get involved, visit PikePlaceMarket.org/MasterPlan

 

About Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority PDA – Celebrating over 50 Years!
The nine-acre historic district is maintained and operated by the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA), a nonprofit public corporation created by the City of Seattle in 1973. The PDA supports the Market’s remarkable community by increasing farm and food retailing opportunities, supporting small and marginal businesses, and providing services for low-income individuals. In addition, PDA helps protect the essence of the Market by preserving, rehabilitating and maintaining the buildings within the Market. PikePlaceMarket.org

Economic Impact Study: A New Performing Arts Center Will Generate $150 Million in Annual Economic Impact

May 15, 2024 / No Comments

This press release was originally issued by the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.

 

Sarasota, Florida – May 14, 2024 – Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and the City of Sarasota are pleased to release an Economic Impact Study highlighting the profound contributions of a new performing arts center to Sarasota and all of Sarasota County. Prepared for the Foundation by HR&A Advisors, one of the leading real estate and economic development firms in the country, the study forecasts a significant boost to the Sarasota region’s economic landscape, projecting over $150 million in annual economic activity. This figure exceeds the current economic impact of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall by 30%, marking a substantial advancement for the city’s cultural and economic vitality. The study also estimates the creation of 1,200 permanent jobs and $300 million in tax revenues over 30 years, demonstrating a substantial return on investment.

 

“This Economic Impact Study showcases the incredible power of the arts and the opportunity for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center to serve as a critical economic driver of our vibrant community,” said Foundation CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko. “This study reaffirms what we know to be true in Sarasota – that the arts are not only part of our shared identity, fueling innovation and creativity, but also play an extraordinary role in our economic development.”

 

Key findings of the HR&A Advisors study include the following:

      • • Over $150 million in annual economic activity generated from operations, programming, visitation, and cultural tourism, with 358,000 annual visitors anticipated.
      • • Creation of 1,200 permanent jobs, contributing $52 million in annual wages.
      • • An injection of $562 million in spending countywide during the construction phase, including the creation of 3,200 temporary jobs and $162 million in temporary wages.

    “This study provides important information for the City Commission and Sarasota community,” said City Manager Marlon Brown. “It shows the Sarasota Performing Arts Center will be a significant economic driver from the very start of construction. The study underscores the value of this generational project and the 50-50 public-private partnership with Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.”

     

    “Arts and culture have always had a critically important role in Sarasota’s economy and brand, helping to attract many thousands of visitors to the city every year,” said Alex Stokes, Principal at HR&A Advisors who led the study. “As an iconic new cultural anchor at the heart of the Bay Park, the Sarasota Performing Arts Center will ensure that Sarasota’s cultural economy continues to flourish for years to come, bringing new jobs, visitor spending, and tax dollars to the city and region.”

     

    For an executive summary of the Economic Impact Study, please click here.

     

    To request the full Economic Impact Study, please email info@performingartsfoundation.org.

     

    About Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation

    Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s mission is to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. The Foundation has partnered with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall since 1987 to support arts education throughout our region, serving more than 35,000 students and their families annually with enriching arts-based education opportunities and professional development for more than 400 teachers across five counties.

     

    Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is leading the vision to build the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center as a public-private partnership with the city and in collaboration with the Bay Park Conservancy and Van Wezel Hall. For more information about Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, please visit: PerformingArtsFoundation.org.


    About the City of Sarasota

  • Distinguished by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 5 Best Place to Live in the U.S. and the top place in Florida, the City of Sarasota is a diverse and inclusive community located on Florida’sSuncoast with 56,000 year-round residents, several internationally recognized cultural arts venues, stunning sunsets along Lido Beach, and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles. Learn more about us at SarasotaFL.Gov

Mills Administration and MaineHousing Announce Launch of New Statewide Housing Data Portal

May 7, 2024 / No Comments

This press release was originally issued by the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.

 

Augusta, MAINE – The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, the Department of Economic and Community Development, and MaineHousing today announced the launch of the State of Maine Housing Data Portal, a central repository of housing and community data to support planning and actions to address housing production needs across the state.

 

The online portal, now available at mainestatehousingdata.org, builds upon the State of Maine Housing Needs Production Study (PDF) released last year, which assessed the effects of historic housing underproduction in Maine, as well as estimated housing needs in the state going forward based on current demographic trends.

 

 

The portal compiles publicly available housing market, population, and economic data for Maine, such as housing supply, rental affordability, and homeownership access, as well as detailed demographic, income, and employment information. The data is sortable by state, county, and community, and is available for export and download.

 

Through the portal, Maine communities, housing organizations, and public can assess state regional, and local housing trends to maximize housing opportunities, inform housing discussions, set housing priorities, plans, and goals, and aid development of local ordinances.

 

“This new portal is an important resource for Maine communities to help inform and advance efforts to make housing more accessible and affordable across the state,” said Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. “Addressing Maine’s urgent need for more housing requires a strong partnership between state, regional, and local governments. By providing ready access to the latest housing data and trends to support thoughtful housing planning and actions for the future, this portal is an investment in that partnership.”

 

“We are excited to join with the administration to offer this new tool for planners, developers, and housing leaders across Maine,” said Dan Brennan, Director of MaineHousing. “For the first time they’ll have ready access to current, detailed data to help set local housing production priorities, establish goals, and track progress.”

 

“In order to continue Maine’s economic growth, we need to increase our workforce, and ensuring appropriate housing stock is key,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. “This dashboard will allow stakeholders at all levels of government to effectively address housing needs in all geographies and at many income levels.”

 

Since Governor Mills took office in 2019, the Mills Administration has allocated more than $285 million to support the construction of homes in Maine, an unprecedented level of investment that has resulted in more than 600 new homes so far, with more than 1,000 homes under construction, and more than 3,000 homes in the construction pipeline at MaineHousing – the largest number in the agency’s history.

 

The supplemental budget signed by Governor Mills on April 22 and approved by the Legislature included an additional $30 million to build more than 260 new homes in Maine, through $10 million to the Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program, $1o million to leverage Federal low-income housing tax credits, and $10 million for single-family home construction through the Affordable Homeownership Program.

 

The Study and the portal were prepared for GOPIF, DECD, and MaineHousing by national housing planning consultant HR&A Advisors, in consultation with housing stakeholders from across Maine and with authorization of the Legislature through LD 2003, landmark housing legislation signed into law by Governor Mills in 2022.

 

The State of Maine Housing Data Portal will be updated regularly. For questions about the Housing Data Portal or for guidance on its use, please contact the Maine Housing Opportunity Program at housing.decd@maine.gov.