Center for An Urban Future

for more than 20 years, cuf has consistently shaped the policy debate around economic opportunity in new york by publishing reports that are widely covered in the media, highly readable and anchored in rigorous research rather than preconceived notions about outcome. Cuf's efforts to create a more prosperous, equitable and inclusive new york span many topics and policy areas, and are unified by their common aims: growing new york City's economy and boosting the number of middle income jobs; helping more people develop the skills and credentials needed to access careers that put them on the path to the middle class; and making new york City and its many and diverse neighborhoods a better place to live. Cuf's reports do not sit on a shelf; they are action-oriented documents that routinely spark policy changes and serve as An invaluable resource for government officials, nonprofit practitioners, business leaders and philanthropic leaders as they advocate for, and implement policies for, addressing new york's biggest opportunities and challenges. Our work has influenced the creation of new economic development initiatives for low-income entrepreneurs, paved the way for An expansion of youth workforce development programs and sparked new policies to support aging immigrants. Recently, our work documented the vital role of branch libraries in empowering disadvantaged new yorkers and laid the groundwork for the largest ever increase in funding for the City's public libraries.