Policy Evaluation & Design

HR&A shaped New York City's approach to sustainability and equity through leadership of two landmark planning initiatives spanning over a decade. Our strategic planning for PlaNYC (2007-2011) and OneNYC (2015, 2019) positioned NYC as a national leader in municipal climate action while evolving the city's governance framework to center equity, ultimately aligning $117 billion in capital investments with community-driven priorities.

HR&A conducted a comprehensive economic and fiscal impact analysis for Cornell Tech, quantifying the institution's contributions to New York City's economy through campus construction, operations, student spending, and startup activity. The analysis showed that Cornell Tech generated $768 million in total economic impact and supported 2,800 jobs in FY 2022-2023, with projections showing growth to $1.5 billion in economic impact and 7,000 jobs by 2030, establishing the institution as one of the city's most effective economic development investments.

HR&A Advisors worked with Friends of the High Line and the New York City Department of Planning to demonstrate the economic potential of transforming the abandoned High Line railway into a public park. Through detailed impact analysis and an innovative rezoning strategy, HR&A helped create a world-renowned public space that has generated $52 billion in economic activity and reshaped Manhattan’s West Side.

For the first time in 12 years, New York City prepared to welcome a new mayor—and HR&A ensured tens of thousands of residents had a voice in shaping the transition. Our Talking Transition initiative for a ten-foundation coalition transformed the traditionally insular period between election and inauguration into broad public engagement, gathering input from nearly 70,000 New Yorkers across all five boroughs.