ABNY uses its signature programs–Power Events, special briefings, educational events, Young Professionals programming, ABNY Women events, and special projects–to bolster civic engagement for all New Yorkers.
ABNY Member Events offer an opportunity for elected and government officials, as well as civic and business leaders, to present the ideas and policies they believe can help advance a better New York.
The ABNY Young Professionals network cultivates unique opportunities, online and in person, for the future leaders of New York City to explore the importance of civic engagement and learn about the critical issues facing our city and state.
ABNY Women uses its platform for women to explore, discuss, and foster change in the workplace and beyond through a series of events and talks by female leaders.
ABNY special projects build on the foundation created by the Census 2020 effort and work with community-based organizations to support and strengthen the most vulnerable New Yorkers and communities across the city and state.
To view photos from our past events, please visit the ABNY Flickr page here.
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.
Sulin Carling, Senior Planner in Economic Development and Real Estate at DCP, presented on recent retail trends and storefront vacancies across the city in the context of shifting technology, economic forces, and consumer preferences.
ABNY with New York Counts 2020 and in partnership with Labor Counts! hosted the NYC Census Summit 2019 which brought together nearly 400 leaders and organizers from community-based organizations, government, and the private sector, all working to get out the count. NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson, NYC Census Director Julie Menin, Council Member Carlina Rivera [...]
In partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, ABNY hosted an event to celebrate the world renowned museum's 150th anniversary. President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Weiss addressed the museum's successes, its role as a global cultural institution, and its approach to navigating the challenges of evolving responsibilities in philanthropy. He then participated in a [...]
ABNY Executive Vice President Melva Miller presented a one-pager to help the borough Chambers of Commerce to engage their membership around the 2020 Census and outlined a series of actions businesses can take, including everything from posting on social media to designating Census Days to encourage participation. Attendees learned how businesses not only stand to [...]
ABNY and the NYC Employment and Training Coalition co-hosted an event at Hunter College to highlight how City and business leaders can come together to raise awareness about the Census job application process, requirements, and training. Workforce development leaders who attended the program received additional information on positions available to job seekers in their communities [...]
Carolyn Grossman Meagher, Director of Regional Planning at DCP, presented the "Geography of Jobs" report analyzing regional growth constraints as the economy expands faster than the housing supply. A panel discussion followed with Jonathan Bowles, Center for an Urban Future; Laura Curran, Nassau County Executive; Ruben Dfaz Jr., Bronx Borough President; Ingrid Gould Ellen, NYU; [...]
Governor Cuomo previewed the 2020 infrastructure and transportation agenda and unveiled the creation of the Empire Station Complex and improvements to the areas surrounding Penn Station in midtown Manhattan.
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 [...]
Borough President Adams spoke about his priorities for New York City and his vision for the future, covering topics from criminal justice to educational and economic opportunities for all communities.
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 [...]
Senator Schumer discussed the CARES Act and provided a description of how the funds would be allocated. While he highlighted the benefits due to New York live before the ABNY network, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the historic bill at the same time as the briefing.
Commissioner Shea discussed policing issues in New York City, including the unprecedented challenges of personnel and resource allocation during the COVID-19 crisis, and how the NYPD continues to address crime and deliver public safety to New Yorkers.
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. Corwin and Mr. Raske provided an update on how New York was coping with COVID-19 from inside New York City hospitals and their plans and projections for what was to come.
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, [...]
Mr. Cohen and Mr. Mulrow, former Secretaries to Governor Cuomo and NYS Forward appointees discussed the task force’s plans for revitalizing New York and strategies to restart the economy following the New York State on PAUSE Executive Order.
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.
Chairman Foye provided an update on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA’s) response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges the agency faced in the spring of 2020, including eliminating overnight service to clean and sanitize the fleet of subway cars.
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.
Mr. Patchett discussed the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s (NYCEDC’s) immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including helping New York City businesses pivot to manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE), and the recovery ahead.
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, [...]
Moderated by ABNY Steering Committee Member Larry Scott Blackmon, Fresh Direct Public Advocate Williams gave insight on activism, public safety, and how New York City can take meaningful strides to affect real change.
Moderated by ABNY Board Member Julio Peterson, The Shubert Organization Deputy Mayor Thompson provided a look at the historical context of racial inequality in New York City.
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.
Moderated by ABNY Census 2020 Organizing and Action Committee Member Jennifer Jones Austin, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies Mr. Walker used a philanthropic lens to deliver an inspiring conversation on the racial injustices facing New York City and the ways that leaders in government, businesses, and foundations/nonprofits can begin to take steps to move forward.
In conjunction with the ABNY series, Black Leadership in New York City: Conversations on Power, Politics, and Racial Justice, ABNY Women presented ideas and inspiration from two prominent Black female lifestyle influencers: Harriette Cole and Mikki Taylor. Harriette Cole, the founder of Dream leapers, an educational platform designed to help people access and activate their [...]
Moderated by ABNY Member Camille Joseph Goldman, Charter Communications Ms. Wills drove a powerful conversation around racial equity, journalistic integrity, and how to hold the private sector accountable in dismantling systemic racism.
Moderated by ABNY Member and ABNY Census 2020 Organizing and Action Committee Member Kyle Bragg, 32BJ SEIU Mr. Gresham looked at social justice from a labor perspective and discussed the importance of fighting for the economic and civil rights of all workers.
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.
President Mulgrew discussed the union’s efforts and plans to ensure a safe return to school for students, educators, and school communities and participated in a moderated Q&A session with public school parent and ABNY Board Member, Jen Hensley, Senior Director of Public Policy, Lyft.
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 [...]
Moderated by Melva M. Miller, Chief Executive Officer, ABNY Attorney General James focused on police reform and gun control in an inspiring conversation that called upon the audience to continue to work towards equality for all New Yorkers.
Rick Cotton, Executive Director, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with the AirTrain project team, detailed the plans for “AirTrain LaGuardia” envisioned to provide sustainable, reliable, predictable, and efficient travel between LaGuardia and midtown Manhattan for air travelers, the airport’s workforce, and nearby communities. The presentation was followed by a moderated Q&A [...]
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.
ABNY celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by bringing together leaders to discuss key issues facing Hispanic Latinx communities in New York City including education, affordable housing, health care, and criminal justice reform. Speakers included Vincent Alvarez, President, AFL-CIO New York City Central Labor Council; Marlene Cintron, President, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation; Carmen De La Rosa, [...]
James Patchett, President and Chief Executive Officer, NYCEDC, and top New York City health, Senior Advisor for Public Health, NYC Mayor’s Office, and Jackie Bray, Deputy Executive Director, NYC Test and Trace Corps, briefed ABNY members on the status of COVID-19 cases in New York City, reviewed the City’s public health response, and shared more [...]
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."
Governor Cuomo addressed the ABNY Steering Committee and discussed the future of New York State’s economy and ways New Yorkers can work with our federal, State, and local elected leaders to close New York State’s budget gap. The event was co-hosted by the Regional Plan Association (RPA), and the Real Estate Board of New York [...]
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.
ABNY hosted a discussion on the opportunities and challenges around increasing voter participation in New York City’s 2021 elections. Panelists included Lurie Daniel Favors, Interim Executive Director & General Counsel, Center for Law and Social Justice; Luke Hayes, Campaign Manager, Rank the Vote NYC; Susan Lerner, Executive Director, Common Cause New York; and Allie Swatek, [...]
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 [...]
Senate Majority Leader Schumer joined ABNY for the first PowerZoom event of the year. Senator Schumer briefed the audience on the current state of affairs in Washington, D.C., the upcoming Congressional agenda, and what it all means for New York.
ABNY hosted a PowerZoom in celebration of Black History Month with the Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee and the nation's first African American U.S. Attorney General, Eric H. Holder, Jr. Mr. Holder discussed the importance of the redistricting process following the 2020 Census.
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 [...]
