ConnectALL Strategic Advisory and Program Management
Empire State Development (ESD)
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.
ConnectALL launched with an ambitious mandate to deploy substantial public investment and close the digital divide across New York State. HR&A supported the office’s rapid growth from a small founding team to dozens of staff members, providing organizational structure and operational frameworks to manage this transformative initiative. We engage hundreds of local stakeholders statewide to understand community needs and build support for connectivity investments. HR&A develops data products and analytics tools that inform strategic decisions and track progress, while designing investment programs that effectively direct resources to underserved areas.
Our integrated approach ensures ConnectALL can effectively deploy over $1.5 billion in public funding while maintaining federal grant compliance. This positions the office to deliver on its commitment of internet access that works for all New Yorkers, creating economic opportunity and bridging the digital divide in communities that have historically lacked reliable connectivity.
