Every Borough Saw More Rapid Job Growth than in Previous Two Year Period
Brooklyn Added Jobs at Nearly Double the Rate of Manhattan
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced that in the first two years of Mayor de Blasio’s administration, all five boroughs have added jobs at a significantly higher rate than in previous years. From December 2013 to December 2015, the number of jobs in the city increased by 7.14 percent (compared to a 5.68 percent increase from December 2011 to December 2013), demonstrating increased economic opportunity for many New Yorkers in neighborhoods that had been previously left behind.
Most notably, Brooklyn saw an 11.60 percent increase in the number of jobs – a full 4.5 percent higher than the citywide average. Jobs grew by 7.80 percent in Queens, 6.93 percent in the Bronx, 5.94 percent in Manhattan, and 5.54 percent in Staten Island. These findings were the result of an analysis done by NYCEDC based on recently released job data through December 2015, the most current period for which borough specific job numbers are available.
“We’re working to fight income inequality one job at a time,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We’ve been targeting investments towards historically underserved communities, and focusing on both raising wages and creating accessible, middle class jobs. And the data shows we’re already seeing real results.”
“Unemployment is down and jobs are growing in every borough,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen. “And just as importantly, wages and benefits are on the rise. This administration is using every tool it has to spur career-track jobs in parts if this city that haven’t always had economic opportunity. From improving workforce training to activating new development sites, we’re making sure more families have a chance to be a part of this city’s economic success."
“We’re working to make every neighborhood in the city a true live-work-play community,” said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer. “These numbers reflect the targeted investments this administration has been making from Sunset Park to the South Bronx, from St. George to Far Rockaway, to grow 21 stcentury jobs in every part of our city.”
"A key focus of my administration has been and continues to be increasing employment in our borough, advancing both the popularity of our global brand and the prosperity accessible to every Brooklynite,” said BrooklynBorough President Eric Adams. Judging from our recent job growth, it is undeniable that Brooklyn is the economic engine of not only New York City, but of the entirety of America. We must be relentless in ensuring we capitalize on every ounce of our potential, creating good-paying jobs for every resident seeking them, from seizing on the energy of our emerging technology and information sectors through effective educational and job training programs to encouraging businesses from across the globe to invest in our borough and its workforce."
“People want to move here, raise their families here, make their money here,” said QueensBorough President Melinda Katz. “These encouraging jobs figures illustrate the growth and momentum underway here in Queens, which experienced the greatest jobs growth out of all five boroughs. This is the result of substantial investments and initiatives throughout the borough, many of which will be discussed at this evening's joint Borough Board and Cabinet. Our challenge and focus as government is to help build more sustainable infrastructure to facilitate the growth as well as ensure the growth is more equitable across communities.”
Continued job growth can be attributed in part to gains in Health Care & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Accommodation & Food Services, the largest growing sectors since December 2013.
In recent months the de Blasio administration has launched a number of new programs to help grow good jobs in neighborhoods across the city. Earlier this year, NYCEDC launched the NYC Industrial Developer Fund, a $150 million public/private fund to help develop new space for industrial jobs in New York City. The Mayor launched Futureworks NYC, a suite of initiatives to help grow manufacturing jobs, anchored by an Advanced Manufacturing Center at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. The newly created International Innovators Initiative (In2NYC) will help entrepreneurs from around the world grow their startups at CUNY schools in all five boroughs, creating good jobs for people in the community. And Citywide Ferry Service will soon connect New Yorkers with growing job hubs in places like Long Island City and Downtown Brooklyn.
With the administration’s support of well-paying sectors, average wages are up 4.7 percent since 2013, providing economic mobility for New Yorkers across all five boroughs.
Citywide, jobs have increased by 7.4 percent since Mayor de Blasio took office, reaching an all-time high of nearly 4.3 million jobs. The unemployment rate in New York City is 5.1 percent, down 3 percentage points since Mayor de Blasio took office.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is the City's primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City's competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City's many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blog to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.
