We’re translating
tech potential
into community
prosperity.
Technology
In an era where technology plays a pivotal role in economic competitiveness and community resilience, our integrated approach helps clients maximize digital infrastructure investments while ensuring those investments drive results for communities. From expanding broadband access, affordability, and adoption, to building community-based digital skills programs, to creating innovation districts and developing responsible tech-focused public policy, we craft strategies that harness technology’s potential for development that benefits all. Our work spans workforce development initiatives that prepare communities for tech-driven economies, partnerships that accelerate commercialization and governance frameworks that maximize benefits of disruptive technology, such as AI, while protecting public trust.
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 serves as lead strategic advisor and program manager to the ConnectALL office of the Empire State Development Corporation, supporting the investment of more than $1.5 billion to close New York's digital divide. Our comprehensive support spans organizational development, stakeholder engagement, data analytics, program design, and federal grant compliance, advancing the mission of universal internet access throughout the state.
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.
We work with
Our Focus Areas
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.
Reliable, affordable access to broadband, computers, and digital skills programs are foundational for thriving communities and economies. Educational, healthcare, economic development, and other public policy outcomes are too often limited by lack of access, affordability, or adoption of broadband and digital services. We partner with state and local governments, philanthropies, and private sector clients to design, deliver, manage, and evaluate comprehensive broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion programs. From the largest states in the nation to some of our country’s smallest communities and tribes, our clients serve more than 35% of the US population and are making big impact: by 2030 they will have connected hundreds of thousands of households to new broadband infrastructure, saved families thousands of dollars each year, and unlocked better jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services for millions of people. We specialize in aligning public, private, and nonprofit interests to deliver efficient, effective, scalable solutions.
Our workforce development strategies help clients unlock economic growth while expanding opportunity for all. We work with government, institutions, industry, foundations, and community partners to meet the talent needs of emerging industries and expand access to quality work. Our approach combines deep analytical skills with on-the-ground experience — from managing large stakeholder coalitions to securing federal funding to implement new programs. We’ve guided strategic planning for state workforce offices, managed multi-sector task forces, and supported successful funding applications totaling over $100 million in workforce investments.
Services
Projects
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 developed the Kips Bay Science District Education and Workforce Vision Report for the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), that articulated the vision of the Kips Bay District as the center of New York City’s health and life sciences ecosystems. Leveraging NYCEDC's first-of-its-kind life sciences innovation, career, and education hub, the Science Park and Research Campus (SPARC), would develop the next generation of talent to support this ecosystem and anchor this District.
HR&A guided the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in developing and implementing a comprehensive innovation district strategy that bridges research capabilities with industry collaboration. We delivered a strategic roadmap with clear governance structures, partnership frameworks, and phased real estate development priorities that position MUSC to accelerate healthcare innovation while generating significant economic impact for the Charleston region.
Since 2020, HR&A has supported Con Edison’s strategy for incentivizing building decarbonization throughout New York City and Westchester County. Leveraging our deep experience in New York City real estate and our quantitative modeling capabilities, we are helping Con Edison achieve the ambitious goals of New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which commits the State to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050.
HR&A worked with the University of Utah and Salt Lake City Redevelopment Authority to establish a strategic framework for jointly developing the Station Center site into a vibrant innovation district. Through comprehensive stakeholder engagement and programmatic analysis, HR&A identified optimal governance structures, land ownership strategies, and catalytic programming approaches that balanced community priorities with the university's research strengths, delivering actionable recommendations that are now guiding the site's Vision Plan.
HR&A collaborated with the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) to develop the State’s first ever comprehensive statewide Digital Opportunity Plan, establishing their roadmap to universal broadband availability, affordability, and adoption.
HR&A supported the development, launch, and implementation of the Nashville Innovation Alliance, a groundbreaking public-private partnership that brings together the region's innovation organizations to foster collaboration and build a vibrant, inclusive innovation ecosystem. With the Alliance's successful launch in July 2024, Nashville is positioned to grow its strengths in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
HR&A led an interdisciplinary team working with the Mayor's Office of the Chief Technology Officer to develop New York City's first Internet Master Plan, addressing the digital divide affecting nearly one-third of city households. Our comprehensive strategy established frameworks for public-private collaboration, governance, and financing that enabled the City to commit $157 million toward expanding affordable broadband access to 600,000 New Yorkers, including innovative procurement approaches that experts have praised as among the nation's boldest universal broadband initiatives.
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.
HR&A worked with the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California to assess broadband connectivity solutions for their sovereign tribal nation of over 2,000 members. Through comprehensive feasibility analysis and community engagement, HR&A developed a strategic deployment plan that identified two viable pathways—a tribally owned wireless network and household service subsidies—to address critical connectivity gaps in this underserved Sierra National Forest community.
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