New York City must reinvent its economy

And begin by boosting its workforce

New York City is in recovery mode. After being the epicenter of a devastating global health pandemic, we have been left to reckon with the fact that we have to reinvent our economy and start on a path of equitable recovery with our workforce at the center. Our economy has undergone a rapid transformation requiring bold, new ideas. Many sectors are struggling to adapt, whether that is toward an increasingly tech-centered landscape or a need for large level hiring. 

Our post-pandemic workforce needs to be reinvented. Businesses, especially small businesses,  have been crushed by the pandemic and need flexible, strong talent to be able to come back stronger than ever. Reinventing the economy and growing the workforce is not just about opening more storefronts, it is about growing access to benefits, pay equity and upward economic mobility for both the city and its residents. The pandemic made clear who our essential workers are — Black, Brown and immigrant communities living in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens — so as leaders in economic development we have to ensure their essential needs are met too.