In response to public funding cuts and increased attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values, New York City’s leading design nonprofits joined to launch the Public Design Alliance, a formal network aimed at deepening collaboration across the civic design sector.
While the participating organizations have worked together informally for decades through exhibitions and public programming, leaders say the current political and economic climate demands a more coordinated effort.
“Design is never neutral; it is a reflection of our values and priorities,” says Tizziana Baldenebro, executive director of the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation. “Building bonds across organizations that reinforce intersectional values makes us stronger. The Public Design Alliance comes at a critical time when equity in the public realm must be fiercely protected. BWAF has long been an instigator in this effort and we stand arm in arm with our peers.”
The alliance’s early goals include knowledge sharing, coordinated programming, community building, and message amplification around public design issues.
“As the federal government slashes funding for nonprofits across the country, it is a critical time for our organizations to come together and share resources so that we can continue to serve our communities,” says Keri Butler, interim president of the Municipal Art Society of New York. “Through this alliance, there is an opportunity to raise awareness about the impact these short-sighted federal cuts will have not only on our organizations but on the public and our city’s economy.”
Matthew Clarke, executive director of the Design Trust for Public Space, adds, “Thirty years ago, the Design Trust for Public Space was founded on the principle that the public realm needed a more collaborative model across community groups, government agencies, nonprofits, and private-sector experts to reach its full potential. We are proud to be forming the Public Design Alliance and through solidarity in uncertain times, strengthening our impacts on New York City’s quality of life.”
“It’s clear we’re facing unprecedented challenges, making the Public Design Alliance a critical platform for collective action,” says Hayley Eber, executive director of Van Alen Institute. “Van Alen Institute is excited to collaborate with our peers, allowing us to unify our efforts and amplify our shared commitment to a more just and resilient public realm.”
Leaders say the group will evolve over time, but its core mission remains rooted in cooperation.
“More than ever, the political and economic moment we are in demands deeper collaboration, connectivity and solidarity,” says Jesse Lazar, executive director of AIA New York and the Center for Architecture. “It’s a privilege to work together with colleagues at such important and innovative organizations to strengthen one another and advance our shared values, and we look forward to expanding this group in the future.”
Founding Organizations (as of June 25, 2025):
- AIA New York
- Architectural League of New York
- Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation
- Center for Architecture
- Center for Urban Pedagogy (CUP)
- Design Trust for Public Space
- Institute for Public Architecture
- Municipal Art Society of New York
- National Academy of Design
- NYCxDESIGN
- Open House New York
- Regional Plan Association (RPA)
- Storefront for Art and Architecture
- Urban Design Forum
- Van Alen Institute
