The Center for the Study of Staten Island will hold its annual policy conference, “The Staten Island Economy: Past, Present, and Visioning the Future,” on Friday December 2 from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Center for the Arts building of the College of Staten Island, located at 2800 Victory Boulevard in the Willowbrook section of Staten Island. The event is free and open to the public, with registration available at the door.

The conference brings together leaders from the business, government, and not-for-profit sectors to discuss their visions for the future development of Staten Island.

The conference raises the vital question: What should be the character of sustainable economic development in the decades ahead?

Topics that will be discussed include the outlook for the regional economy and plans for economic development projects on Staten Island, including the revitalization of Stapleton on the North Shore, home to the Staten Island ferry terminal.

Confirmed speakers include: Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro, New York City Economic Development Corporation President Andrew Alper, and Independence Community Bank President Alan Fishman.

For more information on the event, visit www.csi.cuny.edu/csisip and click on Calendar.

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BACKGROUND
Scope and Purpose
Staten Island’s future depends on sound economic development policy. A vibrant economy is the foundation of a healthy community. The conference raises a vital question: What should be the character of sustainable economic development in the decades ahead?

The conference brings together leaders from the business, government, and not-for-profit sectors to discuss their visions for the future development of Staten Island. Drawing on the resources of the CSI–SIP Staten Island Indicators Website, CSI faculty will add perspective with information about economic trends and historical and comparative analysis of the local economy.

Panelists will identify Staten Island’s competitive advantage in the regional and global economy, as well as the island’s economic relationship with the surrounding counties. Panelists will also consider how the tools of economic development may best be employed to achieve sustainable economic development.

Experts from the public and private sectors will identify strategies that can improve the skills of the local workforce and enhance entrepreneurial opportunities on Staten Island. The day finishes with a close examination of a case study of a public/private partnership, namely, the recent urban revitalization effort in the Staten Island neighborhood of Stapleton.