So you’ve got a great idea to improve New York City and now you have $200,000 to make it happen. What do you do next? In early October, the five winners of The David Prize will be answering that question. The David Prize, a citywide celebration of individuals and ideas, will award the funds after receiving more than 6,500 innovative ideas around education, food, health, housing, immigration, and technology. During a pair of recent webinars, we had the opportunity to get to know six of the 22 finalists and explore their ideas for mobility and housing.
“At The David Prize, we’re laser-focused on supporting individuals that commit each and every day to a better New York,” said Erika Boll, Executive Director of The David Prize. “The city has always been a place fueled by creativity and innovation, it’s needed now more than ever. We’re excited to collaborate with RPA, a long-standing leader in policy and planning, to learn from and amplify new ideas and voices.”
On August 13th, we hosted three transportation and mobility finalists: Su Sanni, Deborah Navarro, and Yesenia Torres (who joined on behalf of finalist Stefan Henry). Kate Slevin, RPA’s Senior Vice President for State Programs and Advocacy started the conversation by first discussing the transportation crises we face today. The MTA faces its worst financial challenge ever, and while subway and commuter rail ridership is about 25% of pre-COVID levels, traffic is up to near pre-COVID levels with traffic violations and fatalities on the rise. Now is the time to recognize new ideas and new voices that can help NYC and our region get through the years ahead.
Su Sanni is transforming transit for New Yorkers living in transit deserts who lack access to public transportation through his company Dollaride, an app which connects riders with vans-for-hire (“commuter vans” or “dollar vans”) by offering transparent routes, consistent schedules, and mobile payments. To keep up with Dollaride, follow their campaign on Republic.
Deborah Navarro is a leader in air-levitation technology designed to autonomously move goods and people from one point to the next. Through her company Lightly, she is trying to take this technology to the streets to reimagine the way New Yorkers move through the city - safely, quickly, and sustainably. Interested in learning more and collaborating? Reach out to via their website.
Stefan Henry is a user-centric designer who wants to make it easier for people with disabilities to thrive in New York City. Stefan and his colleagues at Level the Curve have developed tools that make daily tasks possible, like an easy-to-deploy, lightweight wheelchair ramp; a multipurpose eating utensil; and an arm-support to help users with handheld technology. You can donate to help with prototype development, and reach out if you know a manufacturing house that can support prototype development.
On August 26th we hosted housing and sustainability finalists Rasmia Kirmani-Frye, Domingo Morales, and Edafe Okporo. In spite of New York City being one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world, we are unable to house all residents safely and affordably. This issue affects all New Yorkers and it is our responsibility to advocate for one and other because the city relies on all residents in order to thrive. RPA’s Vice President for Housing and Neighborhood Planning Moses Gates spoke with panelists about the pathways to provide safe, affordable and sustainable homes for all.
Edafe Okporo is striving to end street homelessness through partnerships with faith institutions and targeted advocacy. He founded the RDJ Refugee Shelter, a space where asylum-seekers and immigrants can access community and start to rebuild their lives. Before signing off on the panel, he suggested we won’t achieve equality broadly until all people have equal access to food, clothing, and shelter. You can learn more by reaching out to your City Council member using RDJ’s guide, and get involved by donating or volunteering.
Rasmia Kirmina-Frye is a radical optimist who envisions a “truth and reconciliation” process for New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents. Rasmia believes we need to reaffirm to all New Yorkers the importance of public housing, while developing an approach to fix NYCHA that centers residents and relies on trust and relationship building. To get involved, just email [email protected].
Domingo Morales sees compositing as a gateway to sustainability and health. His new initiative Compost Power is Domingo’s way of going out to under-served neighborhoods to meet people where they are and give them the education and infrastructure they need to compost, especially at NYCHA developments. Compost Power is always looking for new partners and sites to renovate. Reach out to [email protected].
“We’re thrilled to partner with The David Prize and amplify the forward-thinking ideas in housing and mobility submitted by the finalists,” said our President and CEO Tom Wright. “Millions of people throughout the tri-state region depend on the viability of New York City’s transportation system and housing stock. As the pandemic changes travel patterns and reaffirms the necessity of safe, affordable housing, we commend the finalists for striving to improve our ability to shelter and move the region’s residents and improve their quality of life.”
You can learn more about The David Prize and all of this year’s 22 finalists at thedavidprize.org and following along on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. If you know someone that should win the Prize, you can nominate them anytime throughout the year. Reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
