How the Asian-American Community in NYC Can Survive and Thrive Post-Crisis

The biggest Asian-American communities of New York City were hit hard and early on from the COVID-19 pandemic, since visitors and tourism had dropped off starting in January. A recent study by the Center for an Urban Future calculated one in four residents in Elmhurst, Corona, and Flushing work in the industries (restaurants, hotels, retail, and personal care services) where layoffs have been most prevalent. In addition to health and economic burdens, Asian communities have also faced rising discrimination and harassment.

Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) president and CEO Wayne Ho spoke on a podcast hosted by Jamie Rubin and Cheryl Cohen Effron, two co-founders of the nonprofit Greater NY, about these challenges and how to rebuild equitably for the future. You can listen to the interview on Spotify here. 

CPC has developed an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Neighborhood Recovery Plan that sets priorities for lasting and equitable recovery. It has garnered support from dozens of community providers since launching in early May. See the plan and 30 AAPI community based organizations that have united to call on New York City and State government officials to prioritize AAPI neighborhoods in recovery efforts.