Summary
In a community of contested space, our research concludes that Southwest Brooklyn is at risk for industrial displacement. Our land survey analysis indicate that hotels and self-storage have been steadily propagating in land designed for manufacturing purposes since 2005. Focus group participants expressed concern and fear of displacement due to both direct and indirect effects of the proposals circulating Southwest Brooklyn. Our analyses concluded with recommendations to educate, engage, and empower the members of SBIDC to protect the manufacturing industry in New York City and to keep their businesses in the neighborhood.
Recommendations
After thorough analysis of the primary research of the focus group, we collaborated on a few recommendations that if implemented, can greatly benefit SBIDC and its cause. We identified that there is opportunity to further inform the members of SBIDC since the consensus among the focus group participants was a lack of familiarity with the proposals that can deeply impact Southwest Brooklyn. The argument being that one cannot fight, or advocate on the behalf of matters in which they do not have enough information.
We also recommend that there are opportunities to further engage the membership of SBIDC. When asked the question broadly, the focus group participants concluded that time is an obstacle. There are ways that SBIDC can engage the members in non-time consuming manners, as well as clearly outline SBIDC’s definition of engagement. It is also important to note that while time is a barrier, their participation in the focus groups is a form of engagement, and that speaks volume as to which members would be more inclined to actively participate in additional activities.
Lastly, the focus group brought to light the theme of renters versus owners. The renters felt the highest at risk of displacement. Our proposal suggest that if renters had collective purchase power, that may change the attitude and in some cases the survival of the businesses.
The following suggestions are designed to fall into one or more categories:
I. Educate - create ways to further inform members
II. Engage - create ways to engage members
II. Empower - create ways for members to have a voice
1. Proposal pipeline
Utilize a space on SBIDC’s website to educate members about the ongoing projects or efforts that have been proposed that can potentially affect Southwest Brooklyn, and its status towards implementation.
2. Legislative Briefings
Utilize formal and/or informal methods to educate and engage members. Mediums include; but are not limited to: Memos, one-pagers, and/or a brief synopsis to be included in SBIDC’s newsletter. Informal and intimate gatherings, such as breakfasts; can be held to debrief and give the members an opportunity to ask questions in a more intimate setting.
3. Social “Networking” Happy Hours
Organizing social events with the intent for members to meet and connect with other members is another way for SBIDC to share relevant legislative updates, increase member engagement, and build a potential advocacy base. At these events, SBIDC can institute educational elements, such as an information table/booth at these events with prepared material. SBIDC can also present a brief intermission, using a short time to welcome and recognize business owners, as well as give a brief update on current events of Southwest Brooklyn.
4. Organize Political Events
● Organize a Lobby Day at City Hall and/or Albany
● Attend City Council Stated Meeting on day of vote that impacts small business
● Organize press conference on steps of City Hall to generate press that city officials are not protecting the needs of small business (HINT: schedule press conference on day of Stated Meeting - dates are posted on Legistar a month out. Stated Meetings require every council member to attend, and City Hall is full of activity on those days. That translates to many eyes and ears. Elected officials would much rather prefer good press, so use the audience to your advantage).
● Attend/testify at public hearing for Small Business Committee or any relevant committee with pending legislation
● Schedule meeting with Council Member Robert Cornegy, Chair of Small Business to build relationship with the office and learn of Chair’s priorities for small business
● Lunch with a Legislator series: quarterly/monthly luncheon with different elected officials. Small group setting so members can ask questions and have access to electeds during an off-election year.
5. It’s an Election Year - Organize Candidate Forums for city-wide elected officials and relevant politicians at state and local level to speak on their plans to support small business and manufacturing. Farm questions from the membership so their interests are addressed directly. The advantage to this format is whatever candidates say will be on the public record and members of SBIDC can hold them accountable.
6. Survey members to learn what THEY are interested in/want/need. Make advocacy relevant (i.e. interesting) to members. Organizations are better positioned politically when they are proactive in moving a legislative agenda forward versus fighting a looming crisis that is reactionary. Build your political capital (your army) before you need it.
7. Build a core advocacy taskforce. SBIDC should determine which business owners would be most threatened by pending rezoning and reach out to gauge interest in their leading core task force that primarily serves as the voice of entire SBIDC membership. Precision targeting translates to a consistent, reliable group to activate for specific call-to-actions. If you go out and find them, you don’t have to rely on them finding you.
- Create network communication tree for rapid fire response. Each member agrees to contact two other members to share information and follow-up reminders for call-to-action.
8. SBIDC must decide to 1) increase membership size or 2) increase depth of existing membership engagement. Make the decision to go wide or go deep.
9. Create sense of community. A shared sense of purpose translates to members more likely to be involved in organizational activities. Consider organizing an event such as an annual recognition ceremony that highlights success of various members.
10. Social Media Campaign. Hire an intern to drive SBIDC’s online presence. The issues faced in Southwest Brooklyn, is not Southwest Brooklyn’s problem alone. Capitalize on existing and new social media platforms to facilitate awareness and concern for what’s at stake. Create branded hashtag to use in conjunction with more generic hashtags such as #gentrification or #displacement to pull in new and broader audience.
11. Develop Model of Cooperative Business
Another tactic to engage membership is to adopt a cooperative model that intentionally and strategically builds the collective economic power of small businesses within Industry City. Cooperatives solve the general economic problem of under or over production, business uncertainty, and excessive costs (Jessica Gordon Nembhard, 2014. Benefits and Impacts of Cooperatives. Grassroots Economic Organizing (GEO) Newsletter. Volume II, Themes 18). Cooperatives serve as an anchor and stabilize communities.
For sources and more information, or to read the report, please contact me directly.
Prepared by: Na’ilah Amaru, Marco Castro, Kimberly Cusumano, and Coretta Mondesir