The Center for New York City Affairs is an applied policy research institute dedicated to improving the effectiveness of government and other organizations in their work with urban families and communities. The Center illuminates the real-life impact of public policy and politics in New York's neighborhoods.

We explore and support innovation in urban policy and practice through our journalistic research, policy analysis, public dialogue, strategic planning and coalition building that focuses on ground-level solutions that make a difference in urban communities. And we convene government officials, local leaders, journalists, researchers and community-based practitioners to explore and discuss concrete solutions to pressing urban problems.

The Center's current projects include research, writing and public dialogue on:

• The safety net and the reduction of urban family and child poverty;

• The city's child protection and foster care systems;

• Educational prospects for public school students from low income and working class communities;

• Public policy and New York's immigrant families;

• Journalism in urban and immigrant communities; and

• The politics of policy in New York City and State.