Stakeholders of the Brooklyn Tech Triangle received their marching orders last week at a series of Advisory Committee meetings, which brought together political leaders and representatives from government agencies and business and community groups to discuss the upcoming Strategic Plan Request for Proposals (RFP).

The RFP, which is slated to be issued on July 9th, seeks the creation of a Strategic Plan that will serve as the blueprint for placemaking solutions, land use strategies, economic incentives, workforce development practices, and transportation and infrastructure improvements to promote the growth of the tech and creative sectors in the greater Downtown Brooklyn area. The aggressive timeline for the initiative calls for the Strategic Plan to be completed by the end of the year.

“The expedited timing reflects the urgency of the situation,” said Andrew Kimball, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. “We have technology firms in the Triangle that need space and trained employees to grow now.”

The Advisory Committee and the coordinating agencies – the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, and DUMBO Improvement District – affirmed the strategies and resources that will enable these firms to grow:

• Clear signals that preserving commercial space in the greater Downtown Brooklyn area is a priority,
• A new model of workforce development that trains all types of workers for the creative sector using best practices in the field,
• Implementation of continuous retail and opportunities for pedestrian activity throughout the Tech Triangle area,
• Improvements to the transportation network connecting the neighborhoods in the triangle, and
• The commitment of all stakeholders in DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, and the Navy Yard to implementing and advocating for these solutions.