What We're Working On

Support for Street Vendors Strengthens Our Economy

Testimony last updated May 1, 2012

In support of Int. 434 and Int. 435

Testimony to the Committee on Consumer Affairs

Lee Wellington, Planning Fellow

Apri. 24, 2012

 

Good morning. My name is Lee Wellington, and I am a Planning Fellow at the Pratt Center for Community Development. The Pratt Center works to strengthen communities by bringing together professionals, educators and graduate students from the fields of architecture, urban planning, community organizing and economic development to collaborate with community-based partners and build sustainable and successful city neighborhoods. The Pratt Center has provided technical assistance and conducted policy research on issues that are closely linked to Int. 434 and 435—from the regulations associated with starting a vendor marketplace, to foodpra access and its relationship to downtown redevelopment, to participatory planning in diverse communities across all five boroughs.

We are pleased to voice our support for these bills for two key reasons. First, the legislation before you today is consistent with the core values of the Pratt Center—Int. 434 and 435 reflect a participatory process with the goal of reaching more equitable outcomes. And second, through our work providing technical assistance to local development groups, we understand the importance of street vending as a vital community development tool; this legislation will make it easier to street vendors to thrive while working within the existing regulatory framework.

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Farm to Factory-Strengthening the Production Links in NYS

Report last updated April 18, 2012

 

The Pratt Center for Community Development and the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets’ recent report, Farm to Factory: Linking NY State Producers and NY City Food Processors, is the culmination of an 18-month pilot project to develop economic opportunities by strengthening the connections between upstate farmers and downstate businesses.

farm-to-factory-final.pdf

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Serving Up Innovation - Incubator Kitchens and Training Restaurants

Report last updated March 9, 2012

Farmers Boulevard Community Development Corporation Presentation

There is an upsurge of innovative and socially-minded food businesses all over the United States. Two types that hold great potential for both their social and economic impact include incubator kitchens and training restaurants. Incubator kitchens provide food entrepreneurs access to low-cost commercially-licensed kitchen space and in some cases a variety of other small business support services. These kitchens foster local economic development and promote local independent businesses. A training restaurant is a venue that provides job readiness and skills training with the added benefit of hands-on experience. It also provides a retail amenity for the community in which it is located – it functions as a “real” restaurant! 

serving_up_innovation.pdf

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