Policy and Infrastructure

Research and advocacy promoting opportunity through the built environment

The Pratt Center conducts research and advocacy to study and influence the policies that shape New York City neighborhoods. Our efforts strive to identify public policies and institutional practices that exacerbate social and economic inequality, so that we may advance alternatives that promote equity and opportunity for all New Yorkers. Civic participation, public and private investment, and a high quality of life for all New Yorkers are key values embedded in all of the Pratt Center's research projects.
Our research and advocacy center on the role of planning, zoning, real estate development, and public and private finance in the following areas:

• Affordable Housing
• Economic Opportunity
• Neighborhood Infrastructure
• Accountable Development
• Transportation Equity

Research

The Pratt Center assesses problematic consequences of existing housing, planning, and economic development policies and recommends strategies for solving them. Our research also proposes promising innovation based on models developed in New York City and elsewhere. We disseminate our findings through reports, outreach to community organizations, decision-makers, and media, and public presentations.

Education

Pratt Center staff testify at public hearings on legislation, zoning, and subsidies, inform elected officials and other decision-makers, and make sure that New Yorkers understand how development decisions are made and what they can do to influence them.

Collaboration

We build neighborhood, citywide, and regional coalitions to advance specific policy recommendations and build broad-based support for an equitable development agenda.