Improving public schools for every child in NYC
The Center for New York City Affairs works to advance equity and access in New York City’s public schools, combining practical resources for families with research and policy analysis that can drive systemic change. Through InsideSchools, we provide independent information, school reviews, guides, workshops, and direct support that help parents understand their options, navigate school choice, and advocate for the educational opportunities and services their children need. Our Understanding FAFSA project extends that support through high school and into college.
Together, these efforts form a continuum of practical information and support—from pre-kindergarten through K-12 and on to college—while our education policy work examines the larger forces shaping opportunity. We study issues including school quality, language access, integration, admissions, chronic absenteeism, and gaps in educational opportunity, connecting what families need and experience with the policy changes needed to make NYC schools more equitable, accessible, and responsive for every child.
Research to improve livelihoods in NYC
Better wages and working conditions in the gig economy. Lifting the incomes of childcare providers, home health aides, and other woefully underpaid but vital workers. Ending the pernicious gender pay gap. Reforming New York State’s dysfunctional unemployment insurance system. Ensuring that City and State tax and spending policies benefit every community.
Since its founding in 2017, CNYCA’s Economic and Fiscal Policy Team has built a strong track record of researching and proposing solutions to these and other key issues in today’s New York.
Institute of Transformative Mentoring
Professional Development for Community Anti-Violence Workers
The Institute for Transformative Mentoring (ITM) helps credible messengers heal, grow as leaders, and strengthen the skills they use to support young people, families, and communities. Our programs combine restorative justice, trauma-informed practice, political education, practical skills, and experiential learning to promote personal healing, professional growth, and community impact. ITM serves youth, frontline practitioners, organizational leaders, and grassroots changemakers through a continuum of leadership and professional development programs.
A Better Future for Children and Families
For nearly three decades, the Center for New York City Affairs has worked to ensure that children thrive because their families thrive. Through research, policy analysis, coalition building, and advocacy, we advance policies that strengthen families, reduce unnecessary government intervention, and expand community-based supports that help family well-being.
Nothing for Us Without Us.
The New Hood is a new project that envisions a world in which urban Black and Latinx communities are thriving through policies they created. With community leaders and New School students, The New Hood develops community-based policy ideas, research, and solutions.
Our Goals: Elevate community voices in Black and Brown hoods on policy issues that impact them. Provide a platform for Black and Brown scholars. Develop Black and Brown policy professionals.
