For Immediate Release
Contact: Justin Henry / jhenry@rubenstein.com / 908.448.8397
PHOTOS: MAYOR MAMDANI JOINS OUR BRONX AND BXEDC FOR FIRST-EVER BRONX ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT
Hosted by Our Bronx and the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, the two-day summit featured keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and local and national strategies to shape the future of economic development in the Bronx
Photos from the event available here
BRONX, NY (June 8, 2026) – Our Bronx and the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) hosted the inaugural Bronx Economic Development Summit this weekend, a two-day convening of practitioners, planners, elected officials, national thought leaders, and Bronx community leaders focused on advancing a long-term economic development strategy for the borough. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and Council Member Pierina Sanchez, as well as representatives from local and national organizations attended and delivered keynote speeches.
The summit, held Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 at the Andrew Freedman Home, featured keynote speeches from local and national thought leaders, breakout sessions highlighting economic strategies from the Bronx and across the country, and opportunities to engage with emerging priorities for a more resilient, and environmentally sustainable Bronx economy.
“For two days, we learned from economic development leaders, workforce partners, labor, small businesses, and public officials who reinforced what communities across the country have shown: when residents are engaged in shaping economic strategy, the results are stronger, more durable, and more widely shared.” said Sandra Lobo, Executive Director of Our Bronx. “The ideas and priorities surfaced at the Summit will directly inform the Bronx’s first Comprehensive Economic Strategy, a roadmap that will align partners around a clear set of strategies, projects, and measures of progress. We’re deeply grateful to our partners at BXEDC for co-organizing this milestone, as well as the elected officials, local stakeholders, and national organizations whose participation help move this work forward.”
“For years, Bronx residents, workers, faith leaders, labor advocates, small business owners, and community organizations have laid the groundwork for a stronger and more inclusive economic Bronx economy.” said Winston Peters, President of the Bronx Economic Development Corporation. “The summit brought local and national voices together to share strategies and strengthen the relationships needed to move from planning to implementation. We thank Our Bronx, our elected leaders, and the practitioners and organizers who joined us, and we look forward to continued collaboration as we roll out the first-ever Bronx Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy later this year.”
The summit marks a key milestone in the process to complete the Bronx’s first federally certified Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a long-term blueprint for economic development in the borough expected to be finalized later this summer. The convening provided an opportunity for stakeholders across sectors to learn, connect, and help inform the strategy before it is completed. The public review period will continue through the end of June.
Since 2019, community, faith, and labor organizations have worked together to develop a unifying vision for the future of the Bronx economy rooted in shared prosperity, community wealth building, environmental sustainability, and long-term resilience. In 2024, with a planning grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Our Bronx and the BXEDC partnered to coordinate and advance this vision with an expanded set of partners representing government, finance, business, real estate, workforce development, education, culture, and more.
Photos from the event are available here.
“Together, we are building a new future for the Bronx: one where working people have a real voice in shaping the economy they power every day. I was proud to join leaders, workers, small business owners, and community advocates at the inaugural Bronx Economic Development Summit, where we advanced an economic vision rooted in the needs and aspirations of Bronx residents,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Our administration is putting economic democracy, community ownership and shared prosperity at the center of our affordability agenda. Because the people who build this city deserve a meaningful stake in its future.”
"The Bronx Economic Development Summit represents exactly the kind of community-driven, long-term planning our borough needs,” said Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15). “When Bronx residents, businesses, and institutions come together to build a shared roadmap, DC should be listening. I am proud to support this work and look forward to seeing it translate into real opportunity for the people of the Bronx."
"Economic development in the Bronx must be shaped by the people who live, work, build, and invest in our communities every single day,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "This summit brought together local and national leaders, small business owners, labor partners, planners, and community stakeholders to have meaningful conversations about creating a stronger and more resilient Bronx economy for generations. As we continue developing the Bronx's first Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, we are ensuring that this roadmap reflects the voices, priorities, and lived experiences of our borough while positioning the Bronx for long-term growth and opportunity. Thank you to Our Bronx, BXEDC, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and every partner and participant who contributed to this important milestone for our borough."
“Economic development only works if working people are at the center of the plan. If we are serious about creating real economic mobility for Bronxites, then we have to ensure the jobs created are good jobs. Careers that allow people to support their families, stay in their communities, and build generational stability,” said David Bolger, Business Manager of the Mason Tenders’ District Council. “We are incredibly proud to be part of this process and to work alongside our labor, community, workforce, and economic development partners to help shape a vision for the Bronx that is not only about growth, but about shared prosperity. The Bronx deserves a future where development lifts up the people who call this borough home.”
"Our Bronx and the Bronx Economic Development Corporation play a critical role as both partners and stakeholders in advancing community and economic development across the Bronx,” said Blair Ridder, M&T Bank New York City Regional President. “The work they are leading to develop an economic development blueprint for the borough will elevate insights and collaboration to bring prosperity to communities across the borough. M&T is deeply committed to this work—through our long-standing investments across our people, our resources, and our capital. We are proud to support the work of the CEDS and look forward to our continued engagement and partnership with the community.”
"A gathering of like minded community leaders, partners and allies are all convening together here in the Bronx is a historical moment,” said Khamarin Nhann, Campaign Director at Mekong NYC. We are centering an Economic Strategy that uplifts local residents and community partner projects, ideas and solutions. We are creating a collective of thinkers, doers and dreamers to what is possible that aligns and values the diversity of the Bronx". Khamarin Nhann, Campaign Director.
“This summit reflects the kind of collaboration that drives meaningful, lasting change,” said Carlos Naudon, President & CEO of Ponce Bank. “The Bronx has enormous potential, and when local institutions, community organizations, and residents come together around a shared economic vision, the impact is powerful. Ponce Bank is honored to contribute to this effort and to continue investing in the people, businesses, and neighborhoods that make the Bronx strong.”
"I’m proud to participate in the Bronx Economic Development Summit and the Bronx Community and Local Finance Panel,” said Cynthia Colón, Chief Marketing Officer for the Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union. “It was a privilege to engage with fellow leaders and discuss practical ways we can work together to drive community development, expand financial inclusion, and foster long-term local prosperity. These conversations are essential to building stronger, more resilient communities and creating greater economic opportunity for all,"
"The Bronx Economic Development Summit highlighted the power of community-driven economic development and the importance of Bronx organizations working together toward a shared vision of resiliency,” said Jessica Clemente, President & Chief Executive Officer, We Stay/Nos Quedamos, Inc. “As conversations around housing affordability and preservation continue after serving as a panelist at the Summit, it is essential to remember that our community members have a meaningful voice in shaping our economic strategies, because the most effective solutions are those developed alongside the people they serve. By investing in local people and resources, and strengthening local institutions that are committed to serving and protecting Bronx neighborhoods, we can build a more equitable and prosperous Bronx."
"WHEDco has been proud to partner with Our Bronx, the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC), and the CEDS Strategy Committee to help advance a more inclusive and community-centered vision for the Bronx's economic future," says Davon Russell, President of WHEDco. "Rooted in years of community-led visioning, this strategy recognizes the Bronx’s extraordinary assets, leadership, creativity, and potential while advancing community wealth-building, shared ownership, and neighborhood wellbeing. It reflects a bold vision for a borough where residents are not only beneficiaries of growth, but active stewards of its future."
About Our Bronx
Founded in 1974, Our Bronx (formerly the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition) is a 5,000+ member-led, grassroots organization that brings together diverse peoples and institutions to advance racial justice and economic democracy to transform the Bronx and beyond. Our Bronx builds power across the Bronx through community organizing, planning, and economic development that fosters community ownership of assets, collective governance of institutions, and transforming the systems that shape Bronx residents’ lives. To learn more, visit OurBronx.org.
About Bronx Economic Development Corporation
The Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit that leads economic development policy in The Bronx, with a specific focus on providing capital access to small businesses. BXEDC’s core mission is to strengthen and expand current Bronx-based businesses and to provide incentives to encourage businesses to establish or relocate to The Bronx. Founded over 40 years ago, The BXEDC has consistently worked to make The Bronx a better place to live and own a business.
