Zoning for Jobs Campaign

New York Industrial Retention Network

Zoning for Jobs is a grassroots advocacy campaign that seeks to:

1. Raise awareness about how New York City's 245,000 blue-collar industrial jobs enhance the quality of life and contribute to our economy.
2. Promote new zoning and finance tools to ensure space for blue-collar industries.
3. Help local neighborhood groups analyze and understand the impact of proposed zoning changes and land use pressures on their local economies.

Harlem CDC's Planning Department is assisting the Zoning for Jobs Campaign on its land use issues because approximately one-fifth of upper Manhattan residents are employed in industrial jobs throughout New York City, and approximately 20% are unemployed. In addition, a February 2004 report by the Community Service Society highlighted that 50% of black males and 34% of Latino males in New York City are not in the workforce.

Therefore, reserving space within New York City for industrial employment is of high importance to upper Manhattan residents.