Economic Mobility

Creating Pathways to Economic Prosperity for All New Yorkers
A group of students stands at a table interacting with seated staff at an indoor event. Papers and bags are visible, and other people are seen engaging in the background. The atmosphere appears lively and social.

The Economic Mobility Team at NYCEDC leads initiatives that connect, prepare, educate, and train low-income New Yorkers for good jobs in the city’s growing industries. Working hand-in-hand with community organizations, employers, and City partners, we help ensure that every major NYCEDC investment—whether in innovation, infrastructure, or neighborhood development—creates equitable pathways to opportunity.

We achieve this through the following goals:

  • Develop strategic workforce investments that align with NYCEDC projects and emerging industries.
  • Advance place-based workforce outcomes by connecting residents to opportunities near where they live and work.
  • Expand capacity for community-led workforce development in neighborhoods with major NYCEDC investments.
  • Promote thought leadership and research to guide citywide workforce development priorities.

Key Initiatives

East Brooklyn Workforce Fund

$1.4 million distributed across five workforce development organizations to expand job training and support local workers in the neighborhoods surrounding Broadway Junction.

Sunset Park Economic Mobility Network

$1.4 million awarded to the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation (SBIDC) to lead a local workforce coalition connecting Sunset Park residents to careers in the green economy, life sciences, and technology sectors.

Hunts Point Economic Mobility Network

$1.4 million awarded to the Greater Hunts Point Economic Development Corporation (GHPEDC) to coordinate a workforce coalition that connects residents to quality jobs at the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center and the future Hunts Point Marine Terminal.

Blue Highways Workforce Study

NYC’s Working Waterfront: A Blueprint for Blue Highways, the first-ever workforce report focused on NYC’s maritime and logistics sectors, featuring 10 recommendations to prepare New Yorkers for good jobs along the city’s freight waterway network.

Kips Bay Science District Workforce Vision

A vision plan outlining career pathways, programs, and partnerships to ensure that Kips Bay’s growing life sciences and healthcare ecosystem provides equitable access to education, training, and employment opportunities.

Additional Resources