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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Brian Chen, Chief Strategy Officer of Chinese American Planning Council on Metropolitan Park Project
2:12:33
ยท
99 sec
Brian Chen, Chief Strategy Officer of the Chinese American Planning Council, expresses support for the Metropolitan Park project, citing its potential for inclusive community development and economic empowerment of immigrant and low-income New Yorkers. He highlights the project's commitment to workforce development and job creation as aligning with his organization's mission.
- The Chinese American Planning Council is a 60-year-old social services organization serving 80,000 individuals and families annually across 35 sites in New York City.
- Chen believes the project can create pathways for upskilling, hiring, and retention of local talent, particularly benefiting diverse and marginalized populations.
- The testimony emphasizes the potential of Metropolitan Park to be an opportunity hub inclusive of the local business community and diverse Queens residents.
Brian Chen
2:12:33
Thank you, chair Riley and subcommittee members for the opportunity to speak today.
2:12:36
My name is Brian Chen, and I am the chief strategy officer at the Chinese American Planning Council.
2:12:41
We are near we are 60 year old social services organization, just celebrated our 60 anniversary last week, rooted in community and anchored across 35 sites throughout New York City that serve 80,000 individuals and families annually.
2:12:54
From early childcare and after school programs to English literacy classes and older adult programming, our holistic services ensure community members not only survive but thrive.
2:13:03
The Chinese American Planning Council is supportive of the inclusive community integrated workforce and economic development potential of the Metropolitan Park project as it aligns with our agency's mission to to promote the social and economic empowerment of immigrant and low income New Yorkers.
2:13:20
As an organization that provides linguistically accessible and culturally competent employment services and wraparound supports, we believe Metropolitan Park has the potential to move the needle on economic mobility for Queen's residents by creating real pathways for the upskilling, hiring, and retention of local talent.
2:13:39
Through the project's commitment to supporting workforce development, workforce training, job creation, and career advancement, Metropolitan Park is positioned to be an opportunity hub inclusive of the local business community and the borough's diverse but often marginalized populations, including multilingual and multigenerational immigrants, individuals with disabilities, and unemployed and underemployed Queens residents served by community organizations such as the Chinese American Planning Council.
2:14:08
I wanna thank you again for your time.
2:14:11
Thanks.