YPs participated in the Hudson River Park Games, a day celebrating sports and supporting the park.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes joined YPs to discuss his journey to elected office and the significant legislation he worked to pass in 2019.

Bradley Tusk joined YPs to discuss his career path, approach to political change, and the evolving political landscape in New York City.

Moses Gates, Vice President for Housing and Neighborhood Planning at RPA and Angela Pinsky, Executive Director at ABNY, talked about the recent legislative changes to rent regulations and implications for New Yorkers.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York invited YPs on an exclusive tour to learn more about the bank's roles and responsibilities in the public and private sectors and to catch a glimpse of the world's largest accumulation of gold.

The YPs toured the Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm and spoke with Gwen Schantz, Co­ Founder and Chief Creative Officer, about the farm's development and how to promote sustainable living and local ecology through food, education, and events.

Governors Island's Vice President of Public Affairs, Sarah Krautheim, and Director of Operations Planning and Sustainability, Mollie McGinnis, led a tour of the one-time military base. They shared the island's history, from its transformation into one of NYC's top summer destinations to its plan to keep the island open year round.

NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Gregg Bishop discussed his experiences in government, the path to his current position, and some of SBS's ongoing initiatives.

First Deputy Comptroller Alaina Gilligo provided an inside look at the Comptroller's office. She explained how the office safeguards the city's fiscal health, roots out waste, fraud, and abuse in local governments, and ensures that municipal agencies serve the needs of all New Yorkers.

Commissioner of the Administration for Children's Services (ACS), David A. Hansell, outlined the functions of ACS and the efforts to bring the child welfare system into the 21st Century.

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of L&L MAG MaryAnne Gilmartin discussed her career path, her high-profile real estate projects, and her vision for NYC development.

In partnership with the NYC Campaign Finance Board, ABNY held a policy brief to explain Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). Dr. Carlo Prato, assistant professor of Political Science at Columbia University, and Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause New York, helped the YPs better understand how RCV works.

Silvercup Studios offered ABNY an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour with Chief Executive Officer Alan Suna. Mr. Suna led the ABNY Members and YPs through various soundstages and discussed the future of the film industry in NYC.

YPs rode the NYC Ferry from Wall Street to Bay Ridge, with Anastasija Kuprijanova, Manager of Business Development at Hornblower. Ms. Kuprijanova talked about the features and amenities offered, as well as the management and launch of the NYC Ferry service.

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams discussed his path to office and how his personal experiences shaped his perspective on issues such as health, education, and public safety.

ABNY held an exclusive tour of the Port Authority's New Jersey Marine Terminal. Michael Bozza, General Manager of the New Jersey Marine Terminal, gave a "Port 101" explanation and guided tour of the facilities.

Along with Tech:NYC and RPA, ABNY held a presentation to announce The David Prize, a monetary prize for five visionary New Yorkers working to create a better and brighter city. Executive Director for The David Prize, Erika Boll, explained the application process and criteria of the prize.

Panelists explained Environmental, Social, and Governance investing and finance, institutions' goals on these key themes, and the current regulatory environment and its implications. Vicki Cerullo, Bloomberg LP, moderated the conversation with Michael Garland, Office of the New York City Comptroller; Mark Hays, J.P. Morgan Asset Management; and Valerie Smith, Citi.

Michael Burger, Executive Director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School, discussed the history of climate change court cases and how the issue has been litigated, both in the U.S. generally, and in New York specifically. Following the presentation, Ellis Calvin, Data Research Manager with the Regional Plan Association and [...]

Ms. De Constanzo discussed her career path and her policy work addressing climate pollution, energy efficiency, renewable energy deployment, and clean transportation.

Councilmember Salamanca shared his path to office, experiences in government, and vision for New York City. He also discussed his experiences as Chair of the influential Land Use Committee.

Blue Ripple Politics founders Adam Conner-Sax and Frank David presented on key “down-ballot” races, which are races not seen at the top of the ballot and are often smaller, local races, in 2020 and beyond and how they use data to help focus analyses and advice. Following the presentation, Mr. Conner-Sax and Mr. David engaged [...]

Ms. Bhatia addressed the most pressing questions from YPs about the Census, from explaining how the ongoing public health crisis would affect results, to which of your roommates should fill out the form, and everything in between.

Dr. Frida Polli, Chief Executive Officer, and Founder, pymetrics, discussed how the platform leverages behavioral science and audited AI technology to help enterprise companies build diverse teams of top performers while reducing bias.

Adam Grossman Meagher, Vice President, Neighborhood Strategies, Planning Division, NYCEDC presented the Sunnyside Yard Master Plan, a new framework focused on building new public transit and affordable housing. The plan calls for the creation of the long-sought Sunnyside Station, 100 percent affordable housing with 12,000 homes, 60 acres of new open space, equitable homeownership opportunities, [...]

Inspector General Pokorny discussed her career path and her efforts to help the MTA improve its performance before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ana Champeny, Director of City Studies, Citizens Budget Commission, discussed the property tax system in New York City. Ms. Champeny illustrated how properties are assessed and taxed, what classes of property exist, and at what rate properties are taxed.

Sana Arshad, Program Manager, Cubic Transportation Systems, discussed the ins and outs of One Metro New York (OMNY), the MTA’s new electronic fare payment system. Ms. Arshad also elaborated on the role of technology in NYC Transit and some of the impacts of the pandemic on the system.

Jennifer Cohan, President, Edelman New York, discussed the findings of The Edelman Trust Barometer, the firm’s annual trust and credibility survey. The findings showed a remarkable shift in the landscape of trust globally since January and that government trust surged 11 points to an all-time high of 65 percent, which made it the most trusted [...]

Ms. Lappin discussed her work as President at Downtown Alliance, how the organization addressed COVID-19’s impact on Lower Manhattan, and her vision for the district.

Richard Barth and Susan Hinkson-Carling, Group Leaders for the Land Use, Housing, and Real Estate Practice Group at Capalino+Company, explained the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) process, the land use actions that require approval through ULURP, and why the process is so drawn out.

Yojaira Alvarez, Director of Outreach and Intergovernmental Affairs and Harya Tarekegn, Senior Counsel for Policy and Advocacy at the CCRB discussed the independent agency responsible for receiving, investigating, mediating, hearing, prosecuting, making findings, and recommending action on complaints against New York City police officers alleging the use of excessive or unnecessary force, abuse of authority, [...]

First Deputy Public Advocate Smith discussed his path to government, his office’s roles and responsibilities, and his vision for NYC. He outlined the role of the Public Advocate’s Office which provides oversight for city agencies, investigates citizens’ complaints about city services, and makes proposals to address perceived shortcomings or failures of those services.

Commissioner Doris discussed his path to office, experiences in government, and vision for New York City. He also gave insight into how small businesses are dealing with the effects of the pandemic.

Rachel Bloom, Policy Director for Citizens Union, presented on mail-in voting in New York, specifically what policies are in place now, lessons learned from recent primaries, and what we could expect from the November general election. Wayne Bena, Nebraska Deputy Secretary of State for Elections discussed Nebraska as a case study for mail-in voting, clarifying [...]

Adrienne A. Harris, Professor of the Practice and Gates Foundation Senior Research Fellow with the Center for Finance, Law, and Policy at the University of Michigan; Norm Champ, former Director of the Division of Investment Management at the SEC and Author of Mastering Money: How to Beat Debt, Build Wealth, and Be Prepared for Any [...]

Mayor Bramson discussed his decisive actions in response to New Rochelle becoming one of the nation’s first COVID-19 epicenters, lessons learned from leading the city through this unprecedented time, and his vision for New York State.

Mr. Rigie discussed his career path, the impact of COVID-19, how his organization is supporting and advocating for restaurants and nightlife establishments, and the future of the hospitality industry in New York City.

After the November modification was released, Preston Niblack, Deputy Comptroller for Budget, Office of the New York City Comptroller, reviewed the fiscal year 2021 budget in detail and discussed the implications of current events and the City’s outlook for the future.

ABNY CEO Melva M. Miller joined NYC Parks Department Commissioner Mitchell Silver and Coro New York Leadership Center Interim Executive Director Gregg Bishop for the CUNY Design Your City kickoff panel: "Urban Design and Neighborhood Development."

County Executives: Laura Curran of Nassau; George Latimer of Westchester, and Marcus Molinaro of Dutchess discussed county governance, pandemic response and recovery, inclusivity and equitable growth, and regional strategies for attracting and retaining talent, in a conversation moderated by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

On Tuesday, February 2 YPs were able to experience traveling through New York City during different eras of the twentieth century through a virtual tour of the New York Transit Museum. YPs received a guided tour of a collection of vintage subway and elevated cars and objects from the archive. Following the tour, YPs competed [...]

ABNY YP hosted a virtual panel discussion, “Lights, Camera, Zoom! The Future of Media and Entertainment in New York.” NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Anne del Castillo provided introductory remarks, followed by a discussion with Yoni Bokser, Acting Executive Director, NYS Governor's Office of Motion Picture and Television Development; Donna Edge-Rachell, Executive [...]

In conversation with Michael Rudin, Senior Vice President, Rudin Management Company and Chair, ABNY YP, Clare Newman discussed her career path and the Trust's vision for Governors Island.

The Design Your City cohort, a group of undergraduate CUNY students enrolled in a special training program on urban design and neighborhood development, presented their final projects to a panel of expert judges: Jorge Luis Paniagua Valle, Co-Executive Director, Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City; Delma Parma, Community Design Architect, NYCHA; and Michael Rudin, [...]

ABNY Volunteers participated in CUNY’s “Virtual Resumepalooza.” Volunteers met one-on-one with CUNY students to review resumes and provide feedback.

Betsy Plum discussed her career path and the Riders Alliance's plan to #SaveTransit in response to challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Easterling discussed his role as First Deputy Commissioner and the inaugural Chief Equity Officer at the NYC Health Department and the agency’s plan for an equitable response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Douglas Carr, Executive Director of the Moynihan Station Development Corporation, part of Empire State Development (ESD), provided participants with an insider look at the new Moynihan Train Hall and insight about its history and the development process to transform the historic James A. Farley Post Office Building into a world-class transportation hub.

Paul Gunther, Executive Director of the Gracie Mansion Conservatory, led YPs on a virtual tour of “The People’s House,” including its current exhibition, “CATALYST: Art and Social Justice.”

John Calvelli joined the ABNY YPs at a Boardroom Breakfast to discuss his career path, roles and responsibilities at WCS, and the organization’s mission to protect wildlife and project a better future.

In celebration of Earth Day, ABNY convened a panel to discuss environmental issues in New York. Our esteemed panelists addressed climate change and how it can relate to economic recovery, as well as pathways to green jobs. The discussion kicked off with introductory remarks by Frances Resheske, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Con Edison. Julie [...]

ABNY YPs virtually toured the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Museum staff provided a deeper understanding of 9/11 and its historical significance to our city and nation.

ABNY YP hosted a discussion on the airline industry’s recovery post COVID-19. Hersh Parekh, Director of Government and Community Relations for NY Aviation Redevelopment, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, moderated a discussion featuring leaders from some of the nation's top airlines: Patricia Ornst, Director, New York State and Local Government Affairs, Delta [...]

We are excited to host  Seth Pinsky, Chief Executive Officer, 92nd Street Y, for an in-person Boardroom Breakfast on Tuesday, October 5 from 9:00-10:00 AM.  92nd Street Y is a world-class cultural and community center where people all over the world connect through culture, arts, entertainment, and conversation. Mr. Pinsky will discuss the innovative work of 92nd Street Y to foster community during [...]

Please join us for ​the ABNY Young Professionals 10th anniversary celebration on Tuesday, October 12 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Dock 72 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. In 2011, the Association for a Better New York launched the ABNY Young Professionals network with the aim to engage and inform younger New Yorkers about the importance of civic participation through social events, educational programming, and philanthropic initiatives. This celebration will [...]

We are excited to host Holly Leicht, Executive Vice President, Real Estate Development & Planning, Empire State Development for a virtual Boardroom Breakfast on Tuesday, November 9 from 10:00-11:00 AM.  Empire State Development (ESD) aims to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State through the [...]

We are excited to host a virtual Policy Brief on the New York City Budget with NYC Comptroller Scott M. Stringer on Tuesday, December 14 from 10:00-11:00 AM. Following the recent release of NYC's November Financial Plan Update for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22), Comptroller Stringer will present an overview of the now $102.8 billion FY22 budget and what it means [...]

Please join us on Wednesday, January 19, 2021 at 1:00PM for the final installation of ABNY University Bootcamp, featuring Kimberly Peeler-Allen, Co-Founder, Higher Heights, and Visiting Practitioner, Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.Ms. Peeler-Allen will give a step-by-step presentation on how to organize to effect change in the electoral process.Please RSVP and submit your questions for Ms. Peeler-Allen by end of day Tuesday, January 18. You [...]

We are excited to introduce a new sub-series of our popular Boardroom Breakfast series: ABNY Board-room Breakfasts. Each session will feature a conversation with an ABNY Board Member or ABNY Foundation Trustee. We hope you can join us to kick off this series with William Floyd, Senior Director, U.S. State and Local Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google [...]

We hope you can join us for an ABNY Board-room Breakfast with Julio Peterson, Vice President of Real Estate, The Shubert Organization, Inc. on Tuesday, February 15 from 10:00-11:00 AM. Mr. Peterson will discuss his career path and his role at The Shubert Organization, the largest Broadway theatre owner in NYC. He will provide insight into his capacity overseeing [...]

We are excited to host a virtual Policy Brief on the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) Regional Housing Snapshot with Carolyn Grossman Meagher, Director of Regional Planning, DCP, on Wednesday, February 23 from 1:00-2:00 PM.  Using available city, state, and federal data, the DCP Regional Housing Snapshot captures housing trends in the New York metropolitan area. Ms. Grossman Meagher will discuss DCP's findings [...]

Please join the ABNY Young Professionals, Wednesday, March 9 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. for a panel discussion on the recent passage of the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) in New York. The discussion will kick off with introductory remarks by Jordan Isenstadt, Senior Vice President at Marino. Amber Littlejohn, Executive Director of the Minority Cannabis [...]

We hope you can join us for a special ABNY Board-room Breakfast in celebration of Women's History month, featuring Jennifer J. Raab, President, Hunter College, the City University of New Yorl (CUNY), on Wednesday, March 23 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.  President Raab will discuss her role leading Hunter College, the largest college of the City University of New York. She will talk about her [...]

Please join us on Monday, April 4 at 6:00 p.m. for a What's On Tap? with Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. The Borough Presidents serve as the executive officials of each borough, working with the Mayor in preparing the annual executive budget submitted to the City Council and proposing borough budget priorities directly to the [...]

We hope you can join us for a special ABNY Board-room Breakfast with Frances Resheske, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Con Edison, on Thursday, April 28 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Ms. Resheske will discuss her role overseeing Con Edison’s corporate communications; community and media relations; economic development; branding; advertising; and corporate philanthropy. She also will talk [...]

We are excited to invite you to a tour of the TWA Hotel at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport on Wednesday, May 4, from 5:00-7:00pm. The TWA Hotel is JFK’s only on-airport hotel. Over more than two years of careful restoration, MCR and MORSE Development have reignited the magic of Eero Saarinen’s landmark 1962 [...]