We’re elated! Inc. Magazine has spotlighted Public Works Partners on its annual Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies. In just three years, our firm has witnessed a 166% revenue surge, tripled our team size, and branched out to Pasadena on the West Coast. CEO Celeste Frye noted, “This accolade reflects and amplifies our dedication to community empowerment and impactful change.” Our success story? It’s inked by our stellar team and the unwavering trust of our clients. Together, we’re committed to fostering vibrant communities. A huge thank you for championing our mission. Here’s to more impactful milestones ahead! Read more in our press release.
ANNOUNCEMENT
We’re thrilled to announce the addition of Noah Brook and Aron Lesser to our team!
Noah Brook rejoins Public Works Partners as a Manager specializing in strategy development, capacity building, and project management initiatives. With experience at notable organizations like the NYC Department of Probation and CASES, he advocates for cross-sector partnerships and values lived experiences. Holding an MPA from NYU, he is deeply rooted in NYC with varied interests.
Aron Lesser brings a wealth of experience in mixed-methods research and working with diverse groups of people. He has a strong track record in participatory urban planning projects and has worked closely with stakeholders in the United States, Latin America, and Europe to create fair and inclusive urban environments. An MUP graduate from Harvard University, Aron is the author of São Paulo insider guide “Piecing Together São Paulo.”
Help us to give Noah and Aron a warm welcome, and look forward to the fresh perspectives they’ll bring. Cheers to new beginnings!
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Activating the Soundview Economic Hub
Through the Local Center initiative, the Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (YMPJ) is setting the stage for an exceptional display of community-centric design. In collaboration with Public Works Partners and Ennead Lab, YMPJ envisions breathing life into the area under the Bruckner Expressway, transforming it into a hub of cultural expression. The Soundview Economic Hub in the Bronx is on the cusp of showcasing art installations that salute the borough’s enduring spirit of self-determination.
At a recent on-site team convergence, we discussed the larger aspirations guiding these art installations, crystallizing their role in the broader Soundview Economic Hub canvas. Central to their mission is the active involvement of local artists, offering them a platform to weave the community’s rich tapestry. Our brainstorming sessions are abuzz with preparations for an impending ‘Call for Artists’. Keep your ears to the ground for more updates! The Bronx is about to witness a confluence of creativity and community spirit like never before.
THE LATEST HEADLINES
Urban Revival, Windy Ventures, and Walkable Wonders
Plunge into our latest insights! Our piece highlighted the revitalization of architecture, underscored the importance of urban walkability through thoughtful planning, and celebrated the winds of economic opportunities welcoming communities from every direction. Join the conversation!
For Architype magazine, Principal Melissa Lee casts a spotlight on architectural innovation by laying out how adaptive reuse can revitalize downtowns.
For individuals keen on enhancing their community’s walkability, Melissa Lee‘s piece on Talk of the Town presents four strategies to infuse pedestrian-friendly elements into municipal planning endeavors.
Ready for a windy adventure? Dive into the economic bonanza that is offshore wind with our CEO Celeste Frye’s Talk of the Town article on how communities of all sizes can ride the wave of this booming industry.
If you still need a final nudge to embrace walkable streets, check out Melissa Lee’s grand tour of benefits that prove that walkable streets are the heartbeat of healthy communities.
CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM
See Where We’re Headed This Fall!
This fall, our Public Works team is on the move! We’re excited to share insights, connect with peers, and spearhead lively sessions at several events. If you’re around, we’d love to connect. Swing by and say hello!
September 19-20: Senior Manager Benjamin Martinez Newman is attending the Sustainability Summit NYC hosted by Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ramboll. This event will discuss offshore wind supply chain challenges and risk mitigation in green hydrogen projects.
October 11: Moe Magali, Public Works Director of Business Development, joins city leaders and technologists at Crain’s Tech Summit to discuss the tech industry and its role as a leading economic driver in New York City.
October 12: Benjamin Martinez Newman is stepping into the future at the Government Modernization Summit! Hosted by City & State, this event will dive into how tech is revolutionizing NY State’s agencies, tackling challenges, and making business smoother than ever. Don’t miss out!
October 15-17: Get ready to ignite change at the APA Pennsylvania Conference! Melissa Lee is presenting a PechaKucha on the tools to tackle the legacies of unjust planning. Melissa’s tools are based on her 25+ years of experience crafting urban planning solutions that strengthen communities. Learn more and register here.
November 1-3: Benjamin Martinez Newman is heading down to College Park, Maryland, to lead an engaging panel at the 2023 Small Business Anti-Displacement Network Conference. He’ll delve into coalition building and microbusiness empowerment alongside esteemed reps from the NYC Small Business Services & Brooklyn Legal Services.
November 11: Senior Manager Mario Gutierrez is attending the Westchester Nonprofit OpCon, a collaborative initiative by NY Nonprofit Media & Nonprofit Westchester. Mario will dive into a day brimming with valuable insights for nonprofit leaders across multiple sectors. Click here to join Mario.
CALLING ALL CREATIVES
Be Our Next Marketing Coordinator!
Are you a wordsmith and design whiz who’s passionate about building strong communities? Join our dynamic team to craft compelling written and graphic content that tells the story of better cities. Let your imagination flow, and apply today!
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.