City Planning to Host Dan Doctoroff at Planning Commission, Hold Public Info Session on Mayor Adams’ City of Yes for Economic Opportunity Initiative

Dan Doctoroff, former NYC deputy mayor and founder of Sidewalk Labs, will address City Planning Commission on NYC’s economic outlook on Sept. 11 

Remote info session on Sept. 12 will inform New Yorkers about this important work to update NYC zoning rules to help small businesses and boost NYC’s economic recovery 

Department of City Planning Director and City Planning Commission Chair Dan Garodnick announced that Dan Doctoroff will address the City Planning Commission (CPC) regarding the city’s economic outlook on September 11, and that the Department of City Planning (DCP) will hold a public information session on Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes for Economic Opportunity initiative on September 12. 

Doctoroff’s presentation to the CPC will share the state of the city’s economy, the work of the “New” New York panel, and the need for adaptability for a robust recovery and long-term prosperity. His remarks, beginning at 1 p.m. on Monday, September 11, will be open for the public to attend or watch via livestream. 

The next evening, Tuesday, September 12 at 7 p.m., DCP will host a virtual public info session on City of Yes for Economic Opportunity, a set of citywide zoning changes to help small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive, bolster our commercial corridors and neighborhoods, and support New York City’s economic recovery. RSVP here. 

“As we work to create a more prosperous future for our small businesses and commercial districts, it’s past time that our zoning was updated for the 21^st century. That’s exactly what City of Yes for Economic Opportunity will do, cutting red tape and making life easier for mom-and-pops throughout the five boroughs,” said Dan Garodnick, Department of City Planning Director and Chair of the City Planning Commission. “I encourage all New Yorkers to tune in to hear the brilliant Dan Doctoroff and to attend our info session on how City of Yes will meet this moment for our continued success.” 

Doctoroff has a long history advocating for a brighter future for New York City. He was the co-chair of the “New” New York Panel, appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, and is the founder of Sidewalk Labs, an urban innovation company. He worked as Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding from 2002 to 2007, leading the effort to revive New York after the attacks of 9/11 through a five-borough economic development strategy with land use changes, the largest affordable housing program in U.S. history at the time, and the PlaNYC sustainability plan. He formed NYC2012, the city’s bid to host the Summer Olympics, which helped catalyze infrastructure and development projects, such as the extension of the No. 7 subway line.  

Doctoroff is the founder and chairman of Target ALS, a medical research foundation committed to the search for effective treatments for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

City of Yes for Economic Opportunity includes reforms built to support local shops, to reduce storefront vacancies, and to enliven commercial corridors. As part of New York City’s ongoing work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, City of Yes for Economic Opportunity will make it easier for New Yorkers to start or expand successful businesses. This will lead to flourishing neighborhoods with less commercial vacancies and more opportunities for burgeoning mom-and-pops to grow. 

This proposal would also remove zoning restrictions that limit dancing in certain commercial areas, facilitate the growth of the life sciences sector, and allow for clean manufacturing in commercial areas – unlocking 14,000 acres of new potential space for businesses like ceramic makers or coffee roasteries. These changes will also enable the addition of corner stores in neighborhoods where they were previously restricted, helping over 250,000 people access neighborhood goods and services. For a full description of the initiative, learn more here. 

City of Yes for Economic Opportunity is the second of three expansive mayoral “City of Yes” initiatives for a more inclusive and equitable city. The other two proposals are: 

City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality – currently in public review, this initiative is designed to help New York City meet its ambitious goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 by updating its zoning to make it easier to green our buildings, our streets, and our city. 

City of Yes for Housing Opportunity – an inclusive, citywide approach to our City’s housing crisis that aims to expand and diversify the housing supply, and ensure that every neighborhood does its part to help meet housing needs and provide equitable access to housing for all New Yorkers. This proposal is expected to start public review next spring. 

For any questions on City of Yes for Economic Opportunity, please email EconomicOpportunity@planning.nyc.gov. 

Department of City Planning

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.