The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is set to revolutionize New York City’s commercial waste management landscape by piloting an innovative zone system in Central Queens in September 2024. Public Works Partners, with Arcadis, spearheaded the stakeholder engagement efforts to establish the Commercial Waste Zones in partnership with DSNY. This initiative will reshape how commercial waste is handled in the city. Our team gathered input and built support from diverse stakeholders, including City agencies, elected officials, private carting companies, businesses, and environmental advocates. Our approach focused on managing change effectively by setting expectations for future waste management policies and gathering crucial input to shape the zone system’s design. The synthesized feedback directly influenced the development of the Commercial Waste Zones, promoting positive outcomes such as improved customer service, environmental sustainability, and worker safety. Click here to read DSNY’s press release.
Strategies to Counter Ableism in Community Engagement
Public Works is actively advancing inclusivity in our community initiatives by addressing ableism head-on. We’ve established a supportive environment that encourages participation from everyone, including those with disabilities, in our decision-making processes. Our team has been trained on disability rights, reinforcing our commitment to accessibility. We’re excited to share a concise checklist of accessibility strategies from workshops delivered by CEO Celeste Frye aimed at enhancing community engagement. This resource is a stepping stone towards more inclusive practices in your work. Explore these insights and apply them to your initiatives. Access the resource here.
Celebrate Black History Month With Us
In celebration of Black History Month, our team is honored to spotlight the remarkable contributions and achievements of Black Americans in various domains. This month serves as a reflection on the profound impact that Black Americans have made, breaking barriers and forging paths in science, arts, politics, and beyond. We stand in admiration of their resilience, innovation, and enduring legacy, and commit to recognizing and uplifting these vital stories not just this month, but all year round.
Local Center: Soundview Economic Hub Art Activation
We’re so excited to share our most recent partnership with Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, Inc. In collaboration with Ennead Architects, Buro Happold, and Cozen O’Connor, we will activate the future site of the Soundview Economic Hub – a currently vacant space underneath the Bruckner Expressway. Learn more about the project here. This project is supported by the Local Center, a collaboration between Urban Design Forum and Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development (ANHD).
To view the video click here or tap the image above! This film is by DaeQuan Collier.
Public Works Partners is a WBE/DBE-certified urban planning and consulting firm. Our expertise lies in creating innovative, equitable, and sustainable solutions to complex problems.