Belema Derefaka

¡En Conversación! Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: An Interview with HR&A Partner, Jose Serrano-McClain

October 4, 2024 / No Comments

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the experiences and perspectives of Hispanic and Latinx HR&Aers to learn more about how their identities have helped shape their approach to their work.  We sat down with Partner Jose Serrano-McClain, whose practice spans government innovation, economic development, climate, culture, and technology policy. Jose’s background as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic has helped inform his inclusive approach to leadership, innovative problem-solving, and community advocacy.

 

How has your background influenced your approach to leadership and problem-solving in your work?

I immigrated   to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic when I was in primary school. That experience shaped me in significant ways—particularly in terms of observation and adaptation. At a young age, you learn how to navigate different environments, and that kind of ‘code-switching’ has become a key part of my professional trajectory. I’ve always had a drive to enter new spaces and challenge myself to adapt.

 

 

 

I started at the Federal Reserve, transitioned into documentary filmmaking, launched a startup, organized immigrant communities in Queens, and worked for city government. This diversity of experiences helped me develop a unique approach to leadership and consulting. I thrive on immersing myself in new environments and helping others navigate them too. At HR&A, this has allowed me to connect deeply with various communities and industries.

 

You’ve worked in many different sectors. What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of your work at HR&A? Are there emerging issues or communities that need more attention?

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is engaging with communities that reflect my own — people who remind me of my aunts, uncles, and cousins. We often convene spaces where every day, working folks can share their ideas and insights. It’s in these settings, like focus groups or roundtables, where we truly listen to communities’ needs and concerns.

 

For example, I worked on a project with the San Francisco Health Plan, where we conducted focus groups with Latino members. These Spanish-language conversations allowed us to build trust and gather valuable insights. The outcome was not just about fulfilling a project requirement — it was about ensuring these communities had a real impact on policy decisions.

 

At HR&A, we’re also involved in significant projects that deal with environmental justice. For instance, we’re leading a community planning process in Queens, where the city’s largest power plant will transition into a renewable energy hub. This neighborhood, known as “Asthma Alley,” is predominantly Latino and African American and has faced environmental injustices for decades. Our work is focused on ensuring that the transition to green energy benefits these communities, not just economically, but in terms of health and employment opportunities as well.

 

What does it mean to you to receive industry recognition like  City & State’s Power of Diversity: Latino 100 list?

Honestly, awards aren’t something that’s ever been a huge driver for me, but I do recognize the importance of visibility. Being on City & State’s Power of Diversity: Latino 100 listis a reminder that our work is being noticed and appreciated, and it provides an incredible opportunity to connect with other Latino leaders in New York. That’s what excites me the most — being able to collaborate with others who are also committed to advancing Latino leadership in various sectors.

 

 

I thrive on collaboration, and I believe that when we bring together diverse voices from the Latino community, we can make a much greater impact. Whether it’s in urban planning, consulting, or community development, I want to continue to elevate our community’s role in shaping the future of cities.

 

How do you foster the next generation of Latino professionals at HR&A?

We’ve been putting in really strong building blocks here with the Comunidad ERG (Employee Resource Group), which has been one of my favorite spaces at this company. Honestly, it’s been amazing to see how we’ve been able to come together and connect — especially during big events like our first Firmwide Summit last year. I really believe we have the potential to build on that momentum and create even stronger mentorship and support systems for our young Latino leaders here at HR&A.

For me, mentorship is essential. But beyond traditional mentorship, I think it’s important to ask ourselves some deeper questions:

    • How are we ensuring that we don’t flatten or oversimplify our understanding of who’s within our Latino community?
    • How do we bring our diverse personal experiences to the table?
    • How do we make space for younger professionals to do the same?

     

    We’ve made it a point to bring these conversations into our project work, ensuring the lived experiences of team members from underrepresented communities shape our strategies in those communities. Beyond mentorship, we’re building a sponsorship model to connect young Latino professionals with others inside and outside HR&A. For example, our visit to El Puente, a human rights institution in NYC, was a great opportunity to foster connections with Latinx organizers that are enriching our team’s understanding of what leadership can look like.

    • HR&A Advisors Welcomes Vanderbilt University to New York City

    September 30, 2024 / No Comments

    Vanderbilt University announced an exciting step toward expanding its presence in New York City with the lease of a historic campus in the heart of Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. This decision builds on the university’s long-standing history with New York City and signals an important step towards achieving its global vision. The occasion was marked by an event at General Theological Seminary attended by Vanderbilt executives, faculty, board members, and alumni as well as local elected officials.  

     

    As Vanderbilt strengthens its ties to the NYC metro area, we are eager to see how this enhanced presence will contribute to both the university’s academic goals and the city’s continued role as a hub for talent and innovation. 

     

    “Establishing a presence in New York City offers unparalleled opportunities for our students and faculty to engage with the world’s leading industries and institutions,” said C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “By deepening our connection to one of the world’s most influential and dynamic cities, we are positioning Vanderbilt to advance cutting-edge research, foster transformative educational experiences and create lasting global impact.” 

     

    Congratulations to Vanderbilt University on this exciting new venture! We look forward to seeing the impact of this new campus in Chelsea and the benefits it will bring to the broader community. 

     

    Read more about the project in this announcement from Vanderbilt.  

     

    Featured Press 

    Exclusive | Vanderbilt University Plans New York City Expansion — WSJ 

    Vanderbilt Leases Struggling NYC Seminary for Campus Expansion — Bloomberg  

    Vanderbilt expanding to New York City, opening campus in Manhattan — WSMV4 

    Vanderbilt University to Open 150K-SF NYC Campus at Episcopal Seminary — Commercial Observer  

    ¡En Conversación! Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: An Interview with Senior Analyst Raymundo “Ray” Cabrera

    September 26, 2024 / No Comments

    As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, we sat down with Raymundo “Ray” Cabrera, Senior Analyst, to discuss how his background has influenced his leadership style, his aspirations for the Latine/o community, and the projects he’s passionate about. His dedication to improving opportunities for others and his commitment to addressing critical issues like equitable economic development, transit access, and community engagement reflect the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month.  

     

    How has your background influenced your approach to leadership and problem-solving in your work? 

     

    Ray: I grew up in a Mexican American family with deep roots in the Southwest. My great-grandparents came to the U.S. as children — both sides of my family worked in either mining or ranching. My grandparents were born in rural communities and eventually moved into the Phoenix area, growing our family. My family’s story has always been characterized by working-class resilience and each generation striving to improve the lives of their children. 

     

    Coming from that background, the concept of servant leadership has shaped my career. My parents and grandparents made sacrifices for my generation, and I carry that sense of responsibility with me in everything I do. Whether I’m meeting with a government leader or a nonprofit executive, I see it as my duty to represent the voices of those who may not have the same access to those rooms. It’s not just about personal ambition — it’s about advocating for the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of my community. At HR&A, I’m privileged to be able to lead in a way that serves others, especially those who come from backgrounds like mine. 

     

     

    What are your hopes and aspirations for the Hispanic and Latine/o community in the future and what challenges do you see ahead? 

     

    Ray: The Latino community is incredibly diverse. My experience as a Mexican-American kid from the desert Southwest is very different from someone who grew up Hispanic in New York or a more recent immigrant from Central America. Despite these differences, my hope for our community centers on creating opportunities for people like my family — those who have worked tirelessly to provide a better future for their children. 

     

    One of the biggest challenges we face is the growing difficulty of achieving the American Dream, especially for those from working-class backgrounds. For instance, my father was a blocklayer who initially thrived during a boom in Phoenix’s housing market. However, when the recession hit in the early 2000s, his opportunities vanished. Despite his hard work and skills, he struggled to access alternative pathways and resources. This experience drives my commitment to expanding access to opportunity for Latino communities. 

     

    Homeownership is another central tenant of the American Dream that feels increasingly out of reach for the Latino community, and this is a major barrier to building generational wealth. Homeownership was always seen as the way to advance and provide a better future for your family, but for many people, that’s not possible anymore. My peers, my cousins, and my friends all struggle with this. And a lot of that comes down to policy decisions. We’ve made choices as a society to limit housing in places like L.A. and New York, making it too expensive for many. 

     

    At HR&A, we’re lucky to be work working on urban challenges like economic development and homeownership that impact everyone, but it’s important to remember that some of these issues hit the Latino community and communities of color particularly hard.  

     

    How do your current projects contribute to your aspirations for the Latino community? 

     

    Ray: We’ve been working in Pacoima, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, with a Latino community that has faced many challenges, many of which are a result of redlining and environmental injustices from industrial activities. It’s a historically disinvested neighborhood where Black and Mexican-American communities have lived for generations. 

      

    Currently, there’s a major opportunity for transformation with a new light rail extension planned to connect Pacoima to the broader transit network. While this investment could bring much-needed improvements and connectivity, it also raises concerns about potential gentrification and displacement. Communities of color can be negatively impacted by major infrastructure investments, where rising property values and rents lead to the loss of affordable housing for long-standing residents. 

     

     

    To address these concerns, we’re supporting Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) and the Pacoima community to develop a comprehensive equity agenda. This agenda is being set by engaging with the community and key stakeholders to identify concerns and priority issues. It aims to help inform a campaign, that will ultimately be led by a coalition of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to ensure that the benefits of the new transit project are equitably distributed, and that the investment serves the people who have been part of Pacoima’s fabric for years. We are working with NLSLA and Pacoima CBOs to help them lift up key policy and advocacy points for the CBOs to present to decision-makers to support their work advocating for measures that protect the community from displacement and ensure that the investment enhances the neighborhood without erasing its history and diversity.  

      

    This project reflects my desire to help advance equitable development and ensure that significant investments in infrastructure contribute positively to the communities that have long been underserved. It’s about creating a future where progress doesn’t come at the expense of those who have already faced so many challenges. 

     

    How do you support emerging Latino and Latina professionals at HR&A? 

     

    Ray: One of the most impactful things for me has been the Comunidad Employee Resource Group (ERG) at HR&A. When I first joined the firm, the transition wasn’t seamless, and it took a while for me to find my bearings. The ERG became a source of support and belonging. It’s a space where we can share experiences and learn from each other. 

     

     

     

    A key moment for me was also working with Andrea, a Latina leader at the firm who’s been a mentor and partner. Seeing her leadership and how she champions others has been inspiring. The Comunidad ERG has given me a sense of community and showed me the importance of creating spaces where Latino and Latina professionals feel seen, heard, and supported. It’s something I hope to continue fostering as I grow in my career. 

     

    Congratulations to Partner Jonathan Meyers for being named as a City & State’s inaugural Trailblazer in Building & Real Estate!

    September 25, 2024 / No Comments

    New York City grapples with significant housing shortages, regulatory challenges, and the pressing need for affordability. City & State’s inaugural Trailblazers in Building & Real Estate honors key players tackling these issues, and we’re thrilled to see Partner Jonathan Meyers recognized among them!

     

    With a rich background in both the private sector and government, Jon brings a unique perspective to public-private development and policy work. His experience spans transformative projects like the High Line and his role as COO at the Trust for Governors Island. At HR&A Advisors, he expertly guides clients on complex real estate projects, including innovative office-to-residential conversions and energy efficiency initiatives.

     

    As we kick off NYC Climate Week in New York, we also celebrate Jon’s commitment to making the built environment more sustainable, healthy, and resilient for all. His work in this sector spans the country with the Nationwide Initiative to Accelerate Energy Upgrades for Affordable Housing, which provides training and capacity building assistance for awardees of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Buildings Upgrade Prize, to working with the City of New York and the Comptroller to develop a solar program for low and moderate income households in New York City.

     

    Join us in celebrating Jon’s contributions and leadership in making New York a more livable and accessible city!

    Takeaways from the 2024 P3 Electrified Summit in San Diego

    September 25, 2024 / No Comments

    Ignacio Montojo shares insights from the 2024 P3 Electrified Summit in San Diego. His insights were originally shared in this LinkedIn Article. 

     

    This year’s P3 Electrified Summit brought together private developers, utilities, and government representatives at all levels to explore the current landscape and future prospects of public-private collaboration in energy infrastructure and e-mobility.

     

    During a panel discussion, I participated in with Danielle Weizman at San Diego Gas & Electric, Judy Chang from itselectric, and John L. Finley from Uber, we discussed ideas on accelerating the deployment of neighborhood and community electric vehicle charging infrastructure through public-private collaboration. By some estimates, the U.S. will need over 1.2 million public chargers (in addition to 28 million private chargers!) by 2030. With the federal funding flowing through states and cities supporting up to 500,000 new public chargers by that year, the market will have to figure out how to supply another 700,000 through creative and innovative partnerships.

     

    Additional takeaways from the conference include:

     

    1. We are living in the electricity gauntlet days. The U.S. electric load is growing significantly faster than expected or planned. The warning is stark—the grid is not prepared for such growth. In addition, the U.S. must expand the electricity transmission system by 60% by 2030 to meet projected demand driven by new technology like AI, crypto, and transportation electrification. At the same time, more than 70% of the nation’s grid transmission lines and power transformers are over 25 years old; the stress on this aging grid is increasing, with more frequent blackouts in states across the country, including California and Texas, in response to weather, wildfires, or peak period management. More intermittent renewables on the grid without commensurate battery storage are also adding volatility, and based-load retirements are outpacing the new generation, impacting reliability.
    2. Despite unprecedented federal funding, the private sector will have to shoulder the lion’s share of the capital for the energy transition. Combined, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act have pledged over $1.3 trillion in net new infrastructure investments and programs, about half to boost clean energy and decarbonization. In 2023, private global energy transition investments topped $1.7 trillion. However, several studies and participants highlighted that spending on energy and land-use systems in the net-zero transition would cost north of $9 trillion per year through 2050. The International Monetary Fund estimates that the private sector will need to supply about 80% of the necessary investments to develop the world’s energy transition at least through 2030.
    3. Private developer procurement for federally funded energy and e-mobility projects has been a learning curve. Several participants used the case study of the $5-billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to illustrate state governments’ challenges in procuring private developers to deploy fast-charging electric vehicle stations along highways. The program, together with $2.5 billion from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, is meant to increase the supply of public charging stations nationwide from 78,000 today to 500,000 by 2030. After three years of the rollout of the NEVI program, many states are just now starting to open up NEVI-funded chargers. There are 19 sites in nine states online, with 69 chargers. Ohio has five sites up and running, with 24 chargers, while New York has three sites with 12 chargers. In addition to evolving specifications and guidelines from the federal government and constrained capacity in state agencies, developers alluded to piecemeal and overly complex or burdensome procurement processes and requirements as a significant hurdle.
    4. Higher-ed and healthcare institutions continue to drive innovation in public-private partnerships. Just like with the delivery of student housing, several universities and hospitals are pursuing sophisticated public-private partnerships that leverage tax-exempt structures and federal funding. The University of Maryland and its partners described the NextGen Energy Program, a $390 million initiative to transform its campus energy system and achieve a fossil fuel-free operation by 2035 in partnership with Maryland Energy Impact Partners — a consortium including Plenary Americas, Kiewit Development, and Honeywell — that layers in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. Henry Ford Health System entered into a partnership with Kiewit Development to design, build, finance, operate and maintain their 47,000 square-foot Central Energy Hub at their Detroit South Campus. In addition to developer equity, the project is funded through $249.3 million in tax-exempt green bonds via the Michigan Finance Authority and Provident Resources Group.
    5. There is alignment on long-term prospects but not on the immediate next steps. While there was enthusiasm around the tremendous opportunity and mission of the energy transition over the next two decades, many developers expressed that private infrastructure investment in the U.S. has been challenging in the last few years. Unprecedented access to federal funding and the relatively higher cost of private capital have shifted focus from private spending. At the same time, the private sector is facing a paradox of political and community support for climate-friendly energy projects in states with complex regulatory and procurement frameworks and skeptical administrators and communities in less regulated (or self-described “business friendly”) states, on the other hand. This, paired with the uncertainties of an election year, results in some developers and investors taking a “wait and see” approach over the next few months before embarking on major ventures.

     

    Throughout the event, the discussions and takeaways manifested the critical point in the energy transition, the pivotal role of the private sector, the importance of balancing careful planning and determination when delivering energy infrastructure, and the value of sound financial, legal, and technical advisors to design effective and efficient public-private partnership procurements and agreements that can save years and billions to governments.

     

    The upcoming months, marked by significant national and global political milestones, will start the next cycle of public-private collaboration for the energy transition. As of now, all bets are off. Regardless of what the future holds, continuing to seek consensus on both sides of the aisle and compromises among stakeholders and community will remain the north star to a shared, greener, and prosperous future.

     

    Congratulations to Partner José Serrano-McClain for being named in City & State’s Power of Diversity: Latino 100 list!

    September 17, 2024 / No Comments

    We are thrilled to share that HR&A Partner José Serrano-McClain has been named in City & State’s Power of Diversity: Latino 100 list!  This recognition highlights José’s influential role in New York alongside prominent leaders such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Betty Rosa, Commissioner of the State Department of Education, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos. 

      

    At HR&A, José is a leader in our Inclusive Cities, Climate, and Urban Tech & Innovation practices, working with municipal governments, economic development organizations, tech companies, and foundations to drive regional economic transformations grounded in equity, sustainability, and cutting-edge public infrastructure.  

      

    In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor José’s dedication and significant contributions to building more equitable and innovative communities. Congratulations, José, and thank you for your exceptional leadership and commitment to driving meaningful change in New York and across the country! 

     

     

    Congratulations CalTrain: A Milestone in Bay Area Transit and the Road Ahead for Diridon Station Redevelopment

    August 28, 2024 / No Comments

    After more than seven years of construction, Caltrain’s new electric trains have arrived, marking a transformative milestone in the region’s transportation landscape. This $2.4 billion project introduces quieter, cleaner, and faster rail service, significantly cutting travel time between San Francisco and San Jose. 

     

    HR&A Advisors is proud to support Caltrain in developing a governance structure to guide the redevelopment of Diridon Station, enhancing connectivity and vibrancy across the entire region. Working in partnership with Caltrain and the Diridon Partner agencies which include VTA, The City of San Jose, California High Speed Rail Authority and MTC, and as part of a team led by Mott MacDonald, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of agency assets and capabilities and an evaluation of national and global best practices to formulate a long term governance structure to ensure  the delivery of the ambitious program of projects necessary for the station’s redevelopment in a timely and cost effective manner. 

     

    Earlier this month, lawmakers including Gov. Gavin Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, alongside business leaders and transportation officials, celebrated with an inaugural ride from San Francisco to Millbrae. With enhanced amenities, increased service frequency, and a strong commitment to reducing emissions, this electrification is set to transform the Bay Area’s transit landscape. 

     

    In collaboration with partner agencies—Valley Transit Authority, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, City of San Jose, and the California High-Speed Rail Authority—we remain committed to creating a robust framework that will successfully guide this historic project. 

     

    Photo: Faisal Hanafi 

    Con Edison is an Economic Engine Powering New York Jobs & Clean Energy Transition

    August 22, 2024 / No Comments

    This press release was originally issued by Con Edison.

     

    Economic Impact Report: Company Contributes $22.6B in Economic Activity; Supports More Than 38,000 Jobs in 2023

     

    Con Edison contributed $22.6 billion in economic impact to New York State in 2023. The company’s investments in the clean energy transition, and in resiliency projects that protect system reliability during more extreme weather conditions drove a 20 percent increase ($3.8 billion) over 2021, according to an economic impact report released today.

     

    The company supports 38,600 jobs in New York State and spent $1.1 billion in contracts with businesses in the five boroughs and Westchester County.

     

    It also increased its contracts with Small, and Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses, the backbone of the New York City economy, by 45 percent from 2021 to 2023 to more than $550 million.

     

    Con Edison also delivered more than $3.3 billion in tax revenue paid by customers to New York City to support city services, including $2.4 billion in property taxes alone. Con Edison customers are responsible for 4 percent of New York City’s tax revenue, nearly enough to cover the budgets of FDNY (Fire Department of New York) and DSNY (NYC Sanitation Department) combined.

     

    “This report shows the essential role that Con Edison plays in our region’s vibrant economy and in making this the best place in the world to live, work and visit,” said Tim Cawley, chairman and CEO of Con Edison. “Our investments reflect our values and the values of our customers. We support Small, and Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses, create jobs and facilitate the payment of billions of dollars a year in taxes to support the communities we serve, all while leading the transition to clean energy. We are demonstrating that the people of Con Edison, and the services we provide help local businesses prosper, lift incomes for more New Yorkers, and support more investment in our local community.”

     

    The Economic Impact Report created by HR&A Advisors, Inc. (HR&A) for Con Edison quantifies the company’s economic and fiscal impacts to customers, retirees, unions, shareholders, and industry and civic associations in 2023. This is the second report HR&A submitted to Con Edison. The first was in 2021.

     

    “Con Edison contributes to New York’s economy in ways that positively impact the millions of New Yorkers it serves,” said Kate Wittels, partner at HR&A. “As Con Edison continues investing in its system to serve customers during more extreme weather events, and enabling its customers transition to clean energy, the company’s impact on the state’s economy will continue to grow, proving that New York’s clean energy transition is an economic development driver and an environmental policy.”

     

    Purchasing Power: Small Businesses and M/WBEs

    In 2023, the company spent $1.1 billion with companies in Westchester County and the five boroughs of New York, with another $700 million spent with companies located elsewhere in New York State.

     

    31 percent of Con Edison’s in-state contracts were awarded to M/WBEs and small businesses in 2023. The company has invested significantly in developing its relationships with M/WBEs and small businesses through our supplier diversity program. Con Edison encourages suppliers to reach out if they are interested in doing business with the company.

     

    Jobs

    The report found that Con Edison supports 38,600 jobs in New York State, including direct, indirect, and induced jobs. For every Con Edison employee, the company supports another 1.9 jobs in New York State. That number reflects an 18 percent increase in total jobs since 2021 including 1,000 direct jobs.

        • 80 percent of Con Edison’s workforce lives in New York State.
        • More than 75 percent graduated from New York State-based public and private colleges and universities.
        • 59 percent of Con Edison’s employees are people of color.
        • 23 percent are female.

       

      “We applaud Con Edison for being a critical industry partner in supporting Mayor Adams’ vision to create a more inclusive economy where all New Yorkers can share in our economic growth and prosperity, and today’s announcement further demonstrates the integral role Con Edison continues to play for our city’s people and businesses,” said Abby Jo Sigal, executive director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development. “For generations, Con Edison has been a source of good paying, union jobs that have provided pathways to economic mobility, and its recent commitments to invest in clean energy and support disadvantaged communities will help make the city more sustainable, prosperous and inclusive as we transition to the green economy of the future.”

       

      Con Edison works with organized labor to ensure jobs are high quality, safe, and family-sustaining. More than 55 percent of Con Edison’s workforce is represented by the Utility Workers Union of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. This level of representation is more than 2.5 times the industry average.

       

      Con Edison is helping New York meet its urgent need for clean energy workers by investing in green job training, with a focus on helping residents of disadvantaged communities. Over the next three years 1,200 individuals will have the tools they need to begin their careers in energy and technology. Through Con Edison’s $4 million in grants, four New York nonprofit organizations will support clean energy and technology workforce training for people in disadvantaged communities.

       

      Taxes

      Con Edison facilitated the payment of $4.4 billion in taxes and fees in 2023. Of these, $2.4 billion is New York City property taxes, which represents 8 percent of the total property taxes New York City collected. Con Edison customers are paying 11 times the amount paid by the City’s luxury hotels, as a point of comparison. And the City’s assessment on Con Edison infrastructure continues to grow, with 2023 tax payments 14 percent higher than in the prior report.

       

      Protecting the Most Vulnerable New Yorkers

      Con Edison advances environmental justice in its service territory through clean energy programs that benefit customers in communities New York State identified as disadvantaged.

       

      The company encourages low-income customers and those living in disadvantaged communities to take advantage of programs and incentives for energy efficiency improvements, financial assistance on customer bills, and workforce development programs.

       

      Con Edison invested $658 million in disadvantaged communities on clean energy and electric infrastructure improvements in 2023, and more than $34 million in energy efficiency incentives benefited low- and moderate-income households.

       

      477,000 low-income customers receive rate discounts totaling over $266 million on their energy bills through programs administered by Con Edison.

    • Creating Financial Security for City and State Pensioners

      In addition to spending from Con Edison’s operations, the New York economy benefits from the dividend payments and value appreciation of Con Edison stock, which provides financial security for millions of shareholders, including more than 731,000 current and former New York and New Jersey public sector employees through city and state pension funds.

       

      About the Economic Impact Report

      HR&A Advisors, Inc. analysis incorporated findings from a wide range of datasets and industry-standard economic impact assessment tools to evaluate the economic and fiscal impacts of Con Edison to New York City, Westchester, and New York State in 2023.

    Principal Sarah Solon has been named as an Urban Design Forum’s Big Swings Fellow!

    August 7, 2024 / No Comments

    HR&A Advisors is thrilled to announce that Principal Sarah Solon has been named a part of the inaugural cohort of Urban Design Forum’s Big Swings Fellows!

     

    This distinguished group of urban leaders is set to tackle New York City’s housing crisis head-on, bringing expertise from diverse fields including policy, design, organizing, public health, development, law, philanthropy, and journalism. The 2024 Global Exchange initiative, Big Swings seeks to build solidarity between leaders in New York and other cities taking “big swings” at their housing crises. By exploring the cultures and politics behind housing shifts around the world, we will equip decision-makers to better advocate for reform and support a new generation of leaders to house every New Yorker.

     

    Congratulations to Sarah Solon and the entire cohort! We are proud and excited to see the transformative impact you will make on New York City’s housing landscape.

    The Just Transition to Carbon-Free Buildings That We Need

    July 31, 2024 / No Comments

    This op-ed was originally issued by Governing. 

     

    The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act will collectively invest tens of billions of dollars in our infrastructure and buildings. While the spending generated by these two federal laws will improve transportation, broadband and air quality while creating new industries around the country, perhaps the most concrete change for many of us will be related to the carbon footprint of the places where we live, work and spend our leisure time.

     

    Among the key facets of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is its funding for investments in a variety of clean energy and power projects, both at the nationwide grid infrastructure level and at the local level. The Inflation Reduction Act leverages those investments with both funding and incentives for decarbonizing technology like heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations.

     

    States, regions, counties and cities have been submitting plans, funding applications and implementation road maps associated with a range of these federal funds, and the local efforts are already beginning to impact communities.

    As with any challenge of this magnitude, the true measures of success will not be the passing of laws or approval of funding but rather the actual implementation of the effort and the resulting measurable improvements to carbon emissions and other key environmental factors. Crucially, these implementation efforts must take equity and justice into account, benefiting all Americans regardless of their income level or living situation.

     

    While there are countless technical challenges associated with decarbonization of buildings, most of the technology is actually pretty straightforward. If you live in a single-family home, for example, a package of solar panels, heat pumps, induction cooking and electric hot-water heaters may be all that you need to decarbonize your dwelling. All of those products are available at commercial scale, are readily installable and have a well-established track record.

     

    If you live or work in a large building in an area, such as New York state or Washington state, where the electric grid is moving toward carbon neutrality, an engineer can draw plans to electrify your building so that when the grid is carbon neutral, so is your building. Again, these plans are being implemented now, with existing contractors and commercially available products. While there is every expectation that products will get better, cheaper and more efficient, we do not need to invent our way into carbon-neutral buildings. We know how.

     

    The challenges are money and policy. Therefore, there are questions of who gets access to those resources and who benefits from the sea change that these laws will bring. Nationally, we have a pretty good track record of creating environmental incentives for those with access to resources. If you own a single-family home and a garage, in many states existing solar and EV incentives can dramatically reduce your costs for these products — in some cases paying back your investment in full.

     

    But if you do not own your home or have limited access to upfront capital, your ability to access these incentives is far more limited. Indeed, if you are a renter, your landlord’s installation of a heat pump is disruptive, is likely to increase your electric bill and may also increase the rent on the apartment if paired with other improvements in the building. As implementation plans are developed, they must take into account the fact that 50 percent of renters are already cost-burdened.

     

    While it may be true that we do not need to invent solutions, that’s not the same as saying that solutions are easy. As states and local governments develop implementation plans, the focus needs to be less on the technology and much more on addressing the questions of how to create the incentives and policies necessary to make sure that the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding are creating not just carbon-neutral buildings but a system that affirmatively addresses the environmental injustice built into the legacy system.

     

    We need a system that addresses the needs of renters and low/moderate-income households and that leverages this unprecedented funding opportunity to create a sustainable approach to energy, focused as much on the people in the buildings as it is on the buildings themselves.

     

    Jon Meyers is a partner at HR&A Advisors, where he advises public- and private-sector clients on the financing and implementation of complex real estate projects. He previously served as the chief operating officer of the Trust for Governors Island and was instrumental in creating an economic rationale for the reuse of the High Line in New York City.