We’re translating
tech potential
into community
prosperity.

HR&A conducted a comprehensive impact analysis for Airbnb, examining the effects of New York City's Local Law 18, which effectively banned most short-term rentals in September 2023. Through pre- and post-enforcement data analysis, HR&A demonstrated that the law significantly reduced short-term rental income for homeowners who relied on Airbnb rentals, reduced the net new economic activity that many Airbnb guests brought to the outer boroughs, and reduced the availability of accommodations for tourists – already in short supply.

HR&A is serving as lead strategic advisor and program manager to New York's ConnectALL Office and supporting the investment of more than $1.5 billion to close the state's digital divide.

HR&A conducted a comprehensive update of the New York City Tech Ecosystem Study for ABNY, Tech:NYC, and Google, delivering influential analysis that shaped policy discussions on tech workforce development and economic growth. Our research revealed significant sector expansion to 7% of the 4.27 million people working in New York City in 2021, as well as critical challenges in diversity and talent retention. Our findings and recommendations for addressing representation gaps were featured in The New York Times and The City.

State and local governments sit at the forefront of regulating and enabling technology for the common good, setting the rules for an industry that is reshaping economies, communities, and public institutions alike. The policies they establish — from procurement and data governance to land use and tax incentives — determine whether tech-driven economic development creates broadly shared opportunity or concentrates its benefits among the few. Those same policies shape how quickly and responsibly government agencies adopt new tools to improve the quality and accessibility of public services. HR&A helps governments, universities, utilities, companies, and community organizations measure the impacts of disruptive technologies, design programs and incentives that strengthen local innovation ecosystems and workforces, and build the capacity to adopt new technologies in ways that make government more efficient and effective.

Reliable, affordable access to broadband, computers, and digital skills programs are foundational for thriving communities and economies. Educational, healthcare, economic development, and other public policy outcomes are too often limited by lack of access, affordability, or adoption of broadband and digital services. We partner with state and local governments, philanthropies, and private sector clients to design, deliver, manage, and evaluate comprehensive broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion programs. From the largest states in the nation to some of our country’s smallest communities and tribes, our clients serve more than 35% of the US population and are making big impact: by 2030 they will have connected hundreds of thousands of households to new broadband infrastructure, saved families thousands of dollars each year, and unlocked better jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services for millions of people. We specialize in aligning public, private, and nonprofit interests to deliver efficient, effective, scalable solutions.

Our workforce development strategies help clients unlock economic growth while expanding opportunity for all. We work with government, institutions, industry, foundations, and community partners to meet the talent needs of emerging industries and expand access to quality work. Our approach combines deep analytical skills with on-the-ground experience — from managing large stakeholder coalitions to securing federal funding to implement new programs. We’ve guided strategic planning for state workforce offices, managed multi-sector task forces, and supported successful funding applications totaling over $100 million in workforce investments.

Today’s hubs for innovation look nothing like the suburban office parks of yesteryear—they are dynamic, culturally rich places that foster connection and are embedded into the regional fabric. We work with universities, developers, local governments, and technology companies to harness the potential of the innovation economy by creating places and programs that attract and foster professional talent while creating economic innovation engines. Through our in-depth understanding of public, private, and institutional sectors, we structure partnerships and recommend policies that accelerate innovation and economic growth.