The New York City Council – Video.
Dear Friends,
We hope you are enjoying a good fall and we write to share some policy news.
WRI testified Wednesday September 25, 2013 before the NYC Council Committee for Community Development. The Neighborhood Stress Project at Hunter College Co- Directors Mimi Abramovitz, , Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, CUNY and Jochen Albrecht, Department of Geography, Hunter College, CUNY led the non-governmental testimony with their research identifying the city districts with concentrated poverty.
The Committee heard testimony on Intro 1148 (see attached) a local law to amend the New York city charter and the administrative code of the city of New York by designating high needs areas within New York City as Community Development Zones. Intro 1148 represents a comprehensive response to entrenched problem of poverty in our city. The council hearing was invigorating and the experience was hopeful. Attached is WRI’s testimony.
Intro 1148 proposes a governance board for the Community Development Zones. WRI’s testimony urges the Committee to consider greatly expanding the participation of people with firsthand experience of poverty and welfare on the governance board. In addition, we suggested that a dialogue process can be used to engage a wide variety of stakeholders in the planning and implementing of the zones.
At WRI, we know getting an education is the surest route out of poverty. This is why we, our students and alumni are civically involved. We believe that our experiences and those of others receiving welfare and living below the poverty line can reveal innovative approaches to policy-making that can change systems and lives for the better. We are encouraged by the committee response to our testimony and will proceed with planning a policy symposium in spring of 2014 at Hunter College.
We will keep everyone abreast of opportunities to be involved in planning and participating in the event.
If you have any question or suggestions please contact Maureen at: mlane@hunter.cuny.edu
Warmest regards,
Mo, Dee and Roxy
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