Bedrock of the Economy: The New York Building Industry

The New York Building Industry

The New York City building industry encompasses all of the men and women who design, construct, maintain and manage the buildings and physical infrastructure that sustain New York – from the top of the Empire State building to the water tunnels deep beneath the City’s streets.

Like no other sector of the economy, the benefits of a productive building industry are felt long after the work is complete, often generations later. From infrastructure expansion programs to development projects, the industry’s work produces more than a tangible short-term boost to the region. It also creates stronger communities, heightened quality of life and a greater capacity for the City to grow its population, its workforce and its economy.

The construction sector alone encompasses construction managers, heavy contractors, general contractors, skilled crafts persons an specialized trades, including plumbing, electrical, masonry, carpentry, structural steel, painting and excavation. Design and building-related services are provided by architects and engineers and building maintenance service personnel. The real estate sector includes owners, lessors, agents, managers, title officers and developers.

A New York Fundamental with a Reach that is Far and Wide
With annual gross revenues of more than $60 billion, the design, construction and real estate sectors combined represent New York City’s second biggest industry, trailing only healthcare.

Moreover, the industry is unique in that its reach extends to every borough, neighborhood and City street. From home and office renovations to City shaping projects such as the World Trade Center and Atlantic Yards, to invisible yet massive undertakings such as construction of a third water tunnel, the building industry covers nearly every inch of the City, working daily to create a stronger, more vibrant and more livable New York.

Perpetual Motion: An Industry that Never Sleeps

The building industry is essential to the City’s ongoing and future prosperity. Led by a wide range of associations, and in partnership with government and the business and civic community, the industry is constantly working not only to maintain a modern, well-functioning physical environment but also to accommodate future growth and improve overall quality of life.

Not satisfied with designing, constructing and maintaining the City’s built environment, the industry is also a tireless advocate of infrastructure investment and economic development. As a result, the industry’s workforce – whether through the initiatives of associations, unions, or individual firms – is at the forefront of efforts to build better schools, fund the next generation of transit expansions, increase housing stock and invest in vital facilities such as water treatment plants, power generating stations, hospitals, universities and entertainment and cultural landmarks.

Giving Back
It is hard to find a community of people more devoted to public service and civic responsibility than the building industry. The industry’s men and women spend their careers shaping and maintaining the City’s physical form. It should come as no surprise, then, that so many of its leaders can be found among the boards of directors of New York’s most important philanthropic, healthcare, cultural and educational institutions.

• Through industry-led organizations such as the ACE Mentor Program,Construction Skills 2000 and the Salvadori Center, educational opportunities are provided to disadvantaged children.
• Through relationships with many charities, and the New York Building Foundation, the expertise and resources of the industry are put to work on behalf of those in need.
• Through a tradition of significantly supporting charities such as the March of Dimes, the Boy Scouts of Greater New York, and American ORT, to name a few, the industry's contributions are truly incalculable.
• When disaster strikes, whether inside the City, such as at the World Trade Center site, or across the nation, such as in New Orleans, members of the building industry are among the first to lend professional expertise and financial support.