Pratt Center for Community Development

New York City needs a bold shift in how we plan for the future. For too long, land use and planning decisions have been made in an ad-hoc, reactive, developer-centric manner—deepening racial, economic, and environmental inequities. That’s why members of the Thriving Communities Coalition (TCC), are testifying at the Office of Mayor-Elect Eric Adams Charter Commission hearing today to urge the Commission to mandate comprehensive planning and make Fair Housing goals enforceable. ?? Equity-centered development – ensuring ALL neighborhoods receive needed investment ?? Community-driven planning – empowering each of NYC’s 59 Community Districts ?? Accountable budgeting – aligning capital spending with housing & infrastructure needs ?? Environmental justice – expanding open spaces and combating climate inequities We also urge the Commission to amend the Charter to enforce Fair Housing targets, so every neighborhood does its part in addressing NYC’s housing crisis. A thriving NYC is possible—but only if we plan for it. Let’s move away from a broken, reactive system and toward a future where every New Yorker can afford to live, work, and grow. ?? If you believe in a just, sustainable NYC, let’s connect! Share your thoughts in the comments. #OurNeighborhoodsOurPlan #ComprehensivePlanning #FairHousing #NYCCharterReform #UrbanPolicy #AffordableHousing

Important insights from Betsy Plum about the power of people & organizing for better transit for all! When we saw bus riders fight for better bus service on Flatbush Ave., it showed us what a force transit riders can be, coming together to fight for more reliable service and real change. The Better Buses report we released with Riders Alliance highlights the urgent needs of community members—and what they’re fighting for. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/edZTvZmX

Pratt Center is excited to release the Regional Assessment and Barriers Analysis (RABA) for the Bronx and Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub! Based on extensive public engagement—including input from over 700 residents and community leaders—along with data analysis and expert insights from Hub member organizations, the RABA sheds light on the real challenges and opportunities for green energy access in the Bronx and Brooklyn. To view the report in its entirety, head to https://lnkd.in/ebfM4ZFW. A big thank you to our partners Association for Energy Affordability, Inc., Center for NYC Neighborhoods, Solar One, Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services CDC, Inc., BronxWorks, The HOPE Program, CAMBA, and NHS Brooklyn CDC, Inc.. #CleanEnergyJustice #NYCClimateAction

NYC’s small manufacturers are building the city’s future — and Made in NYC is here to support them. Crain's New York Business highlights how Made in NYC is providing “skills-building programs, marketing and promotional platforms, and small business resources for free to [its] members in order to enable entrepreneurs and companies to create jobs, drive innovation, strengthen local supply chains, and expand into new markets.” At last year’s Taste of Made in NYC at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, we brought together 400 attendees to celebrate 40 diverse manufacturers. Through Made in NYC, we’re ensuring small businesses have the tools they need to grow and thrive. Proud to see this work recognized! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eS8Zrr9X

This February, we’re tackling the challenges ahead with renewed purpose. ???? ?? From our Executive Director Alexa Kasdan: A call to action for 2025 as we double down on housing, transit, and climate justice in the face of growing uncertainty. ?? Housing & Climate Justice: Big wins for basement apartment legalization, new EnergyFit retrofits completed, and expanding clean energy access through community workshops. ?? Research & Advocacy: Reports on toxic home flipping, better bus service on Flatbush Ave., and barriers to clean energy. ?? Made in NYC: Supporting BIPOC-owned small businesses with capital readiness programs and growing NYC’s maker community. ?? Pratt Center in the News: Catch up on the latest media coverage spotlighting our work. Read the full update and see how we’re building power for a more just and sustainable. https://lnkd.in/eFUQdcXG #PrattCenter #ClimateJustice #CommunityImpact #NYC

For over a decade, the Taconic fellowship has empowered Pratt Institute faculty, staff, and students by connecting them with NYC organizations to advance racial, social, economic, and climate justice through 70+ projects. These partnerships have brought transformative ideas to life across the 29 neighborhoods in NYC. We're grateful to Pratt Institute for featuring the Taconic Fellowship, and inviting past Fellows and partners to reflect on their incredible work, including: Gita Nandan and Elliott Maltby on their work with Red Hook Initiative, Ligia M. Guallpa of Worker's Justice Project (WJP) on a documentary short film, "Mujeres Atrevidas," produced by Cynthia Tobar, Ryan Devlin on their work with street vendors and Corona Plaza, and Charles Newman RA, LEED AP, ENV SP on designing workshops for green space proposals with Center for Justice Innovation. Read more about these and other partnerships below, and check out our Taconic look back report. https://lnkd.in/esWifbYH

Are you looking to learn the ins and outs of hosting social gatherings in NYC’s public spaces? Join us for “Music in the Streets,” a valuable session that will cover everything from obtaining permits to securing resources for organizing affordable and accessible outdoor events. Whether you’re new to event hosting or seeking a refresh, this session is designed for you. We invite independent operators, freelancers, small business owners, artists, and DJs to come and engage with city officials. This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered, network with other event creators, and strengthen your skills. Join us in partnership with 651 ARTS, in-person or on Zoom, on Tuesday, February 4. Co-hosted by Pratt Center’s Tara Duvivier, AICP and DJ/curator, Lauren Goshinski. We'll be welcoming speakers from New York City Department of Transportation, NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, NYC Office of Nightlife, and more! Learn more about the event and RSVP: https://lnkd.in/eZRUNJGe

Help Pratt Center secure $75,000 to create a greener, more equitable Brooklyn! Pratt Center is nominated for a Flourishing in Community grant by Fordham University, and we need your vote! Through our #EnergyFit program, Pratt Center helps retrofit homes for low-income homeowners in Brooklyn, improving energy efficiency while reducing costs and environmental impact. With your vote, we can continue making Brooklyn homes greener and more sustainable for the people who need it most. ? Here’s how to vote: 1?? Register at bit.ly/FIC-NY 2?? Search for Pratt Center by entering ID: 737 3?? Vote for Pratt Center as your #1 choice! Every vote counts! Please vote for us by January 10 and learn more about EnergyFit at our website.

2024 was a big year for BASE! ?? This Wednesday, we joined BASE (Basement Apartments Safe for Everyone) at City Hall as NYC passed legislation that will enable the creation of a basement and cellar apartment legalization program. Following the State legislation won earlier this year, these recent reforms are crucial in making basement apartment conversions safer and more accessible. In 2025, BASE will continue pushing to ensure the program reaches low- and moderate-income communities of color, where our research has shown basement apartments are most common. We are grateful for the partnership of our fellow BASE members Chhaya Community Development Corporation, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, and Citizens Housing & Planning Council whose hard work made this possible. Check out these pictures from our year with BASE and read the full update at https://lnkd.in/egvbdNWw. #AffordableHousing #BasementApartments #HousingEquity #NYCHousing #UrbanPlanning #HousingJustice #CommunityDevelopment

Pratt Center is excited to release the Regional Assessment and Barriers Analysis (RABA) for the Queens and Staten Island Regional Clean Energy Hub!? ? Based on extensive public engagement—including input from almost 300 residents and community leaders—along with data analysis and expert insights from Hub member organizations, the RABA sheds light on the real challenges and opportunities for green energy access in Queens and Staten Island. ? To view the report in its entirety, head to https://lnkd.in/ewRp2EUK. A big thank you to our partners Kinetic Communities Consulting (KC3), Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens (NHSQ) CDC, Inc., New Women New Yorkers, New York Center for Interpersonal Development, and Business Outreach Center Network! ? #QueensCleanEnergy #StatenIslandCleanEnergy #GreenTransition #CleanEnergyHub #PrattCenter #CommunityDevelopment #EnergyEquity #NYCClimateAction #SustainableFuture #CleanEnergyJustice