Dear Chair Garodnick,

I am writing to express Regional Plan Association’s strong support for the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity zoning reforms proposed by Mayor Adams and the New York City Department of City Planning. These land use changes are critical to ensure our small business community and neighborhoods across the five boroughs are able to adjust to our changing post-pandemic economic environment.

For over a century, RPA has worked to better understand and plan for the future of the New York City metropolitan region. Our long-term regional plans, as well as the research, planning and advocacy work we do every day, are driven by the values of health, equity, sustainability and prosperity. In our Fourth Regional Plan, we discussed the importance of equitably expanding economic opportunity by encouraging more mixed-use corridors in communities outside the Manhattan Central Business District.

City of Yes for Economic Opportunity does just that by streamlining the zoning code and making it more predictable for businesses and communities. It will clarify and consolidate similar uses, make it easier to start and retain businesses, and help to re-activate vibrant commercial corridors. Collectively, the reforms will help expand entrepreneurship and reduce the cost of doing business.

There is an urgent need to address arbitrary regulations that hurt small businesses, especially if we intend to generate an inclusive economic recovery. New York City’s zoning code was originally created to address the challenges of managing the way people and economic activities co-exist. Times have changed and businesses are not as incompatible with neighborhood life as they once were. We must adapt our regulations so we can respond more effectively to our changing economic environment. The City of Yes for Economic Opportunity will help set up a framework for us to do so.

We urge speedy adoption of City of Yes for Economic Opportunity, and encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of engagement opportunities to have their questions and concerns answered. RPA will be advocating for approval of these changes during the review process and stands ready to serve as a resource should you or other stakeholders need support.

Thank you for the work you are doing to make it easier and more affordable to do business in this great city.