In a city as vibrant and diverse as New York, community engagement is critical. Local communities play a crucial role in shaping policy, driving social change, and determining the direction of public life. It’s no surprise that public officials, nonprofit leaders, businesses, and activists prioritize connecting with community members as a key part of their work. Through my experiences at Perch Advisors, I've witnessed firsthand how effective community engagement can transform neighborhoods, foster resilience, and create a sense of belonging.

Running a Business Improvement District (BID) requires a great deal of effort, coordination, and leadership. At the heart of BID operations is the Executive Director (ED), who plays a pivotal role in managing day-to-day activities, overseeing public space maintenance, coordinating events, and ensuring that the BID’s goals are met. However, what happens when a BID faces a staffing transition or is transitioning from a lower to a higher assessment BID? Who leads in these transitions, and how does the BID continue to operate smoothly during such times?

From growing up in Berkeley to going to art school to being part of a folk music community, I’ve consistently been part of progressive social circles throughout my life. That being the case, telling my progressive friends that I work in “economic development” can feel a bit cringey, like it just reeks of capitalism. And in particular, I’ve learned that not everyone automatically embraces the word “business improvement district”; words like “clean” and “safe” can be seen as code language for “gentrification.”

The shutdown of Manhattan’s congestion pricing plan in early June, dictated at the final hour by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, will have severe consequences for the New York City metropolitan area and for urban centers all across the nation who follow New York as the national urban trailblazer.

As partners for community-based organizations, (specifically place-based groups), medical and educational institutions can serve as amazing resources to expand service provision and awareness of an organization, its programs, or stakeholders.

Ever since I began taking social studies and becoming aware of my surroundings as a child growing up in New York City, I’ve been fascinated by the history of the City.

Hi everyone!
My name is Kayla Joyner, the newest member of Perch’s team, specializing in community engagement. But let me rewind a bit. In 2023, I earned my BA in international relations and political science, however, I soon found myself on a career path that was quite different from what I envisioned during my college years…

Winter vibes are in full swing, and March is treating me well with awesome snowfall, some meaningful work, and quality time with my family. I hope you all are safe and warm. Happy New Year to each one of you.

My colleague Saki Mori wrote an article last month about how to define “workforce development,” which inspired some of my own thinking about my personal understanding of the term.

Enter this question into Google, and an array of results for its definition will appear.

This time of year always reminds me of family; whether it be a chosen family, work family, or biological family.

I'm Aarti Mehta, a Mumbai native whose journey has been shaped by a profound love for creativity, culture, and the dynamics of urban life.

Reflecting on summertime destinations, and one in particular …

Three years of conversations. 41 Meetings. Three hundred and eighty NYC tax lots housing over 300 businesses. One and a half miles of Fulton Street. Nearly 2,290 mailings & 2475 phone calls. 20 neighbors, including property owners, business operators, service providers--all of them considered investors in their future.