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Op-ed: Albany blows a chance to streamline city projects

Commentary/Op-Ed - June 2016

Op-ed: Albany blows a chance to streamline city projects

In this Crain's op-ed, CUF's Adam Forman calls out the New York state legislature's failure to pass a bill allowing cities to benefit from "design-build" contracting for public works, noting that state agencies already enjoy this advantage. In New York City, where infrastructure projects regularly blow through budgets and deadlines, design-build offers an opportunity to save time and reduce costs.

by Adam Forman

Tags: economic growth infrastructure transportation

Over the past 25 years, the number of city residents has grown by 17 percent and tourism has doubled. Little wonder that New York City's roads, subways, bridges, sidewalks, and utility lines are overtaxed. Today more than ever, expanding and fortifying the city's transportation, utilities, building stock, and coastline is essential. Yet the city remains hampered by an outdated rule that prevents local agencies from combining the design and construction of major projects into a single proposal.

In this op-ed for Crain's, CUF Senior Researcher Adam Forman argues that a design-build approach to contracting could save New York City millions. Without dramatically reducing construction costs and timelines, crucial infrastructure investments will languish, with grave consequences for the city’s health, safety, and economy.

Click here to read the op-ed.

The op-ed cites research from Caution Ahead, a 2014 CUF report that provides a comprehensive examination of New York City’s current infrastructure vulnerabilities.

General operating support for Center for an Urban Future has been provided by the Bernard F. and Alva B. Gimbel Foundation, the Lucius N. Littauer Foundation, and the M&T Charitable Foundation.

Center for an Urban Future (CUF) is a catalyst for smart and sustainable policies that reduce inequality, increase economic mobility, and grow the economy in New York City. An independent, nonpartisan policy organization, CUF uses fact-based research to elevate important and often overlooked issues onto the radar of policymakers and advance practical solutions that strengthen New York and help all New Yorkers participate in the city’s rising prosperity.