We're helping communities leverage technology for good.
AI & Tech Policy
We are at a pivotal juncture in the integration of technology and AI into critical infrastructure and social systems. While there’s a lot to celebrate with the opportunity to meaningfully advance greater access to economic opportunity, the potential for negative impacts from these technologies is considerable. Vulnerable populations face heightened risks from irresponsibly managed AI and technology, while society more broadly confronts the potential for widespread economic displacement among workers. We develop impact analyses of technology investments and develop comprehensive AI governance strategies that prioritize ethical use, transparency, and public trust. We also work with technology companies to measure the impact of disruptive technologies and inform responsible policy development. Through our multidisciplinary approach, we bring together diverse stakeholders — from grassroots organizations to technology leaders to philanthropic foundations — to shape how technology systems are governed, integrated into civic life, and developed in the marketplace.
HR&A conducted a comprehensive impact analysis for Airbnb, examining the effects of New York City's Local Law 18, which effectively banned most short-term rentals in September 2023. Through pre- and post-enforcement data analysis, HR&A demonstrated that the law significantly reduced short-term rental income for homeowners who relied on Airbnb rentals, reduced the net new economic activity that many Airbnb guests brought to the outer boroughs, and reduced the availability of accommodations for tourists – already in short supply.
HR&A prepared the first comprehensive impact study for Empire AI, demonstrating how New York's state-of-the-art AI compute center is accelerating research and positioning the state as a national leader in responsible AI. Our economic analysis for Friends of Empire AI showed that the Alpha system has already supported more than 130 research projects, helping teams compress months of work into days through shared, world-class supercomputing.
HR&A collaborated with the Schott Foundation to develop community-driven standards for responsible AI implementation in education, creating frameworks and resources that protect BIPOC students from algorithmic bias while ensuring youth, families, and educators have meaningful voice in technology decisions that affect their schools and futures.
We Work with
Services
Projects
HR&A conducted the first comprehensive economic and fiscal impact analysis of WeWork communities for the company, quantifying benefits across New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Our analysis demonstrated that WeWork would rank among the largest private-sector employers in these cities, supporting 50,000 jobs with each member creating one additional job elsewhere in their respective city, representing nearly one percent of each city's workforce and establishing WeWork's crucial role in growing innovation economies and entrepreneurial communities.
HR&A conducted a comprehensive economic and fiscal impact analysis for Cornell Tech, quantifying the institution's contributions to New York City's economy through campus construction, operations, student spending, and startup activity. The analysis showed that Cornell Tech generated $768 million in total economic impact and supported 2,800 jobs in FY 2022-2023, with projections showing growth to $1.5 billion in economic impact and 7,000 jobs by 2030, establishing the institution as one of the city's most effective economic development investments.
HR&A conducted a comprehensive update of the New York City Tech Ecosystem Study for ABNY, Tech:NYC, and Google, delivering influential analysis that shaped policy discussions on tech workforce development and economic growth. Our research revealed significant sector expansion to 7% of the 4.27 million people working in New York City in 2021, as well as critical challenges in diversity and talent retention. Our findings and recommendations for addressing representation gaps were featured in The New York Times and The City.
HR&A developed a comprehensive strategic plan for Georgia Institute of Technology to strengthen Tech Square's position as a globally competitive innovation district. Through visioning and strategic planning, HR&A delivered recommendations that directly informed the design of a new 420,000 square foot anchor building, established a framework for enhanced district governance, and created a roadmap for leveraging the district's diverse talent pipeline to cement Georgia Tech's role as a global convener of innovators.
News & Insights
