"Ideas for Creating a Stronger and More Equitable Bronx"
A Center for an Urban Future Policy Symposium

Replay of the event
Event materials

It will be nearly impossible to create a more equitable economy in New York without putting the Bronx at the forefront. The Bronx has so much going for it today, and the borough is overflowing with opportunity. But far too many Bronxites still face grave affordability challenges, gaps in access to health care and open space, and steep barriers to obtaining the well-paying jobs that are growing in today’s economy. Addressing the borough’s biggest challenges, taking advantage of its many opportunities, and laying the foundation for a stronger and more equitable Bronx will require bold action and fresh ideas.  

This unique half-day symposium aimed to bring leaders together from across the Bronx to generate those ideas—concrete policy solutions that leaders in City Hall, Albany, and Borough Hall can implement to make progress toward a stronger and more equitable borough. It included nearly a dozen three-minute idea pitches from leaders across the borough, a fireside chat with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, two high-level panel discussions, and a session where members of the audience shared their own ideas for the borough’s future. The event built on our February 2024 report, 50 Ideas for a Stronger and More Equitable Bronx, which featured ideas for the borough’s future from a diverse mix of 50 exceptional leaders from across the Bronx.

Speakers included:​

• Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson
• State Senator Jamaal Bailey
• Assembly Member Karines Reyes
• Assembly Member Amanda Septimo
• Assembly Member Emérita Torres
• Council Member Althea Stevens
• Rocky Bucano, Founder and Executive Director, The Hip Hop Museum
• Ebony Cannon, Community School Director, Graham Windham
• Yasmin Cruz, Executive Director, Westchester Square Business Improvement District
• Mychal Johnson, Founding Member and Advisory Board Member, South Bronx Unite
• Sarah Johnson, CEO, Teaching Lab
• Sándie Luna, Executive Director, ID Studio Theater Performance and Research Center
• Kerry A. McLean, Vice President of Community Development, WHEDco
• Jerelyn Rodriguez, Co-Founder and CEO, The Knowledge House
• Debbie Roman, New York Managing Director, Per Scholas
• Lisa Sorin, President, Bronx Chamber of Commerce
• Anderson Torres, President and CEO, R.A.I.N. Total Care
• Eileen Torres, CEO, BronxWorks

This event was made possible through generous support from Verizon. We are also grateful for general support from The Clark Foundation, The Altman Foundation, and ongoing support from a number of other philanthropic funders.