2025 Economic & Workforce Development Summit - Home

Hero

2025 Economic & Workforce Development Summit

Header and Body

City & State’s Economic & Workforce Development Summit will offer industry executives, public sector leaders and academics the opportunity to share ideas and debate over critical issues such as changes in the workforce, economic opportunities, innovative ideas to grow NY business and more.  The full-day event brings together the most influential leaders and thinkers in New York’s economic development fields.

Attend the Event

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Thursday, September 18, 2025

9:00 am - 3:30 pm

9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Museum of Jewish Heritage

36 Battery Place

New York, NY 

Museum of Jewish Heritage

36 Battery Place

New York, NY 

Sponsorship & Ticket Information

Dress Code

Promo Image

Agenda

Times are subject to change.

9:00 AM EDT Thursday, September 18

10:00 AM EDT Thursday, September 18

10:05 AM EDT Thursday, September 18

Andrew Kimball
Andrew Kimball
President & CEO
New York City Economic Development Corporation
Read More
10:30 AM EDT Thursday, September 18

Explore how government-led investments and policies are shaping New York’s economic transformation. This panel will focus on strategic infrastructure spending, sector-specific growth—including construction, transportation, energy, and technology—and how these efforts create new opportunities for small businesses and MWBEs. Panelists will discuss how public investment drives regional economic development and long-term prosperity.

Explore how government-led investments and policies are shaping New York’s economic transformation. This panel will focus on strategic infrastructure spending, sector-specific growth—including construction, transportation, energy, and technology—and how these efforts create new opportunities for small businesses and MWBEs. Panelists will discuss how public investment drives regional economic development and long-term prosperity.

TBD
TBD
(Moderator)
KPMG
Magalie Austin
Magalie Austin
Executive Deputy Commissioner
New York City Department of Design and Construction
Cecilia Kushner
Cecilia Kushner
Executive Vice President for Planning
NYC Economic Development Corp
Ashley Thompson DiNardo
Ashley Thompson DiNardo
Senior Principal
Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies
Read More
11:30 AM EDT Thursday, September 18

New York faces pressing workforce challenges such as talent shortages, skills gaps, and barriers to training and employment—especially for marginalized communities. This panel will highlight targeted public policies and programs designed to overcome these obstacles, with a focus on equitable workforce development, access to training, and partnerships that align education with evolving industry demands.

New York faces pressing workforce challenges such as talent shortages, skills gaps, and barriers to training and employment—especially for marginalized communities. This panel will highlight targeted public policies and programs designed to overcome these obstacles, with a focus on equitable workforce development, access to training, and partnerships that align education with evolving industry demands.

Jason Clark
Jason Clark
EVP, Division of Minority and Women's Business Development
Empire State Development
Douglas Lipari
Douglas Lipari
Acting Executive Director
Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development
Vilda Vera Mayuga
Vilda Vera Mayuga
Commissioner
Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
Linda Mauro
Linda Mauro
Campus Operating Officer
Berkeley College in New York City
Read More
12:30 PM EDT Thursday, September 18

1:30 PM EDT Thursday, September 18

Sustainable economic growth requires coordinated efforts between government, businesses, and communities. This panel will examine practical strategies for driving small business growth and community investment, including expanding access for MWBEs, neighborhood revitalization, and innovative partnership models that foster resilient, inclusive local economies.

Sustainable economic growth requires coordinated efforts between government, businesses, and communities. This panel will examine practical strategies for driving small business growth and community investment, including expanding access for MWBEs, neighborhood revitalization, and innovative partnership models that foster resilient, inclusive local economies.

Dynishal P. Gross
Dynishal P. Gross
Commissioner
NYC Department of Small Business Services
Valerie Mulligan
Valerie Mulligan
Deputy Commissioner, Workforce Connect
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
Laura G. Smith
Laura G. Smith
Deputy Executive Director, Strategic Planning
NYC Department of City Planning
Travis Proulx
Travis Proulx
Vice President of External Affairs
Fordham University
Read More
2:30 PM EDT Thursday, September 18

Innovation is reshaping industries and workforce dynamics across New York. This panel brings together experts to explore how technological advances, entrepreneurship, and creative solutions are closing skill gaps, creating new job opportunities, and fueling economic competitiveness. Discussion will focus on how embracing innovation supports both business success and workforce development.

Innovation is reshaping industries and workforce dynamics across New York. This panel brings together experts to explore how technological advances, entrepreneurship, and creative solutions are closing skill gaps, creating new job opportunities, and fueling economic competitiveness. Discussion will focus on how embracing innovation supports both business success and workforce development.

David S. Berman
David S. Berman
Director of Programs and Evaluation
Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity
Nathifa Forde
Nathifa Forde
Executive Director
NYC Her Future
Carrie Torres
Carrie Torres
Director | Opportunity Programs Group
DASNY
Read More
3:30 PM EDT Thursday, September 18

Underwriters

GOLD