This exhibition brought a new way of seeing the New York metro region - and understanding its rise to greatness - to the majestic halls of Grand Central Terminal for three weeks in October, 2022.
For 100 years, Regional Plan Association has guided the growth of the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut metropolitan region with long-range planning and insights. From the location and construction of the George Washington Bridge, the creation of Gateway National Recreation Area, the rebuilding of lower Manhattan after 9/11 and more, RPA is inextricably woven into the history of the tri-state area. Central to our work is the belief that communities can improve their efficiency and standard of living if they plan ahead for growth.
The first Committee on the Plan of New York and its Environs met in 1922. Seven years later in 1929, the first ever Regional Plan — “Regional Plan of New York and its Environs” — was published, and RPA was formally incorporated to implement the plan. Since then, some of RPA’s work has included independent research, planning, advocacy, vigorous public engagement, and a total of four regional plans.
100 years later, RPA is celebrating our centennial — ‘RPA 100’ — from 2022 to 2029 by reflecting on the history of planning in the region while envisioning its future. We will unpack our storied history through events, papers, and engagement with the region’s residents - and outline how our story mirrors the history of the planning profession overall. As we reflect on RPA’s past, we look forward to ensuring our work contributes to a more equitable, healthy, prosperous, and sustainable region for the next 100 years.
Regional Plan Association has been active in the tri-state metropolitan region for nearly a century. As we celebrate our centennial, we are excited to highlight RPA’s contributions across the region. Below are some reflections on our contributions to the region’s built and natural environments.
RPA helped build the foundation for urban planning in New York City in the 1930s and played a key role in some of the city’s most contentious planning proposals. RPA has consistently called for concentrating growth in centers like midtown Manhattan, downtown Brooklyn, and Jamaica, Queens, and consistently put forward solutions for tackling congestion.
