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Commentary/Op-Ed - December 2025
The Other Side of AffordabilityOur new commentary in Vital City argues that solving New York City’s affordability crisis will require more than just tackling the soaring cost of living. The incoming mayor also needs a plan for tackling the other side of affordability—raising incomes and building wealth. Our piece offers five ideas for how the new administration can jumpstart an economic mobility agenda.
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Event - December 2025
Strengthening NYC’s Cultural and Creative SectorOn January 21st, the Center for an Urban Future will hold a policy forum focused on new threats facing New York City's creative economy. Speakers will discuss what city leaders—including the incoming mayor—should do to strengthen New York’s cultural and creative sector amid an affordability crisis and a range of other accelerating challenges.
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impact - December 2025
“The think tank quietly influencing NY’s top officials”Crain's New York Business recently published this in-depth profile of the Center for an Urban Future (CUF), titled “The think tank quietly influencing New York’s top officials.” The article noted that “CUF has hit its stride in recent years, managing to catch the attention of powerful city officials with its brand of pragmatic, hyper-specific ideas for improving economic mobility.”
Report - December 2025
State of the Chains, 2025Our eighteenth annual ranking of over 500 national retailers in New York City finds a 1.3 percent continued decrease in chain stores across the five boroughs over the past year.
Report - December 2025
Creative New YorkThe creative sector—from performing arts organizations to design firms—is more critical than ever to New York City's economy. But mounting affordability challenges threaten its future.
Report - December 2025
The High Cost of Free Job Training in NYCThis report urges city leaders to provide free childcare and a complimentary OMNY card for New Yorkers enrolled in career training programs. Coupling workforce development programs with these vital “wraparound supports” will address a key challenge: too many New Yorkers drop out of training programs due to everyday costs like childcare and transit fares.
