Of the many changes that have reshaped New York City during the past fifteen years, few have been as dramatic and as consequential as the emergence of Downtown Brooklyn as a major center of innovation, economic growth, and cultural development. This report examines the ongoing transformation of Downtown Brooklyn, why and how it has happened, and its implications for the borough and the city.

Key findings highlight the growth of the area’s innovation economy, increased collaboration among local higher education institutions, and the rebirth of Downtown Brooklyn as a major center for culture. It points to decades of targeted public investments, smart land use policy, and leadership at the local level for spurring this success – which has led to the growth of the neighborhood as well.

Downtown Rising: How Brooklyn Became a Model for Urban Development