The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association (OANA) is a non-profit organization focused on advocating for community-centric development and urban planning in Astoria, New York. They excel at community engagement and have established a robust network of local stakeholders. However, they face a significant challenge in their current initiative: transitioning the focus of a proposed rezoning plan from an urban planning perspective to a business and finance-oriented analysis. This shift is crucial for quantifying the economic implications of rezoning and effectively communicating the benefits to stakeholders.

The current gap is the lack of a comprehensive economic analysis that supports rezoning. This gap limits OANA's ability to build coalitions, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively with key stakeholders. Without this analysis, there is a risk of losing community support and potential investment opportunities, which could hinder neighborhood development and competitiveness.

By undertaking this project, students have the opportunity to address this challenge by developing a detailed economic impact framework and business case for rezoning. The project will be divided into several phases, including research and analysis of comparable rezonings, scenario analysis, and crafting recommendations for inclusive economic development. Students will gain hands-on experience in strategic planning, policy advocacy, and economic development while delivering actionable insights for OANA.

This project is ideal for students because it offers practical, real-world experience in consulting and strategic analysis. They will develop skills in research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, preparing them for future careers in consulting, urban planning, and economic development. Additionally, the project aligns well with the Graduate Consulting Experience program's goals by providing an opportunity for students to apply their interdisciplinary expertise and demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, and accountability.