October 2020 Newsletter: We’re always working toward an equitable future

#10YearsofPublicWorks: Laying the groundwork for a cohesive neighborhood identity

Long Island City is one of NYC’s most dynamic mixed-use neighborhoods, and that is no mistake. Back in 2013, the Long Island City Partnership engaged us as they worked to establish their first comprehensive plan for the neighborhood. President Elizabeth Lusskin had three goals:  to collect data to establish the unique and thriving character of Long Island City and its importance to the vitality of the region, to assess the needs and desires of businesses already in the area, and to create a comprehensive road map to move the neighborhood forward. The business census we launched ultimately reached more than 9,000 community members, and the comprehensive plan informs the direction of the Partnership to this day. Read more about our work to build the vibrancy of Long Island City in this month’s #10YearsofPublicWorks.

What We’re Doing.

Creating guidelines for inclusive writing

As part of the firm-wide review we’ve undertaken to make our values an explicit component of everything we do, Aurelia Aceves Hogan and Celeste Frye took a deep dive into inclusive writing best practices as we updated our Writing Guidelines. As Aurelia says in writing about this process, “The words we say, write, and read inform our actions and have the power to create safe and empowering spaces for our employees, partners, clients, and the people who are impacted by our work.” Read more of our key takeaways in our blog post and follow along as we release more reflections and resources with #StrategyforGood.

We’re conducting a study of digital ability in the NYC entry-level workforce

With the turn to remote learning and working necessitated by the pandemic, digital skills are increasingly important, from navigating various communications platforms to applying for jobs online. But how does this trend affect workers who have not traditionally relied on digital tools to perform their jobs? What resources are available to help them learn to use new platforms and skills? Public Works and the HOPE Program are examining these trends and creating  guidelines for equitable digital skills development. Follow us here, on LinkedIn, or on Twitter @PublicWorksIQ to find out more about our report release this fall.

Do you work with entry-level workers in construction, healthcare, retail, or hospitality? If so, please share our survey with your team.

Join us for our panel: “Never Compromise Public Engagement: Lessons from the Field During COVID-19”

Join us on Friday, October 16 at the APA New York Metro Chapter Annual Conference for our panel, “Never Compromise Public Engagement: Lessons from the Field During COVID-19,” to learn about techniques planners and public officials can draw on to design accessible public outreach campaigns that rise to the challenges and opportunities of virtual engagement. The NYC Department of City Planning, the Town of Southeast Municipal Planning Board, AKRF, and Public Works Partners will dive into tested strategies for overcoming barriers to public engagement that have emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and explore methods for centering historically marginalized voices and creating equitable virtual public outreach campaigns.

Don’t miss out, register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-apa-nym-annual-conference-tickets-120319616211

One More Thing!

We never thought we’d say this, but Public Works is now offering a new service: virtual event support! We recently worked with the Palisades Parks Conservancy to support their 2020 Annual Gala, which celebrated Park and Historic Site staff and their commitment to their work. From large public meetings to gala celebrations, we can support your next virtual event. Check out an overview of our services or get in touch at info@publicworkspartners.com.