One of New York City’s defining strengths is its magnetic appeal to young people, who are choosing to be here in high numbers despite fierce competition from other cities and an array of post-pandemic challenges. But for all its allure to twenty-somethings, the city is struggling to hold on to New Yorkers as they age into their 30s and start families. To build a city that young families love—not leave—leaders should act now to implement bold policies that help them stay.

The loss of New York’s diverse middle-class families poses a distinct threat to the city’s long-term economic health and vitality. As the city’s fiscal outlook darkens, losing residents in their prime earning years undermines the tax base and weakens future stability. Families also bring lasting investment to neighborhoods, drive demand for quality schools, parks, and transit, and help build the kind of civically engaged communities that keep New York moving forward.

In this amNY op-ed, Editorial and Policy Director Eli Dvorkin and Fisher Brothers' Winston Fisher make the case for three concrete ideas to make the city more affordable and appealing for families: unlocking more family-sized housing, sparking public-private partnerships to expand childcare, and expanding NYC Parks Summer Day Camp.

Read the full op-ed here.

This op-ed highlights ideas from CUF's recent report, 5 Ideas for Retaining NYC’s Young Families, and event, "Retaining New York’s Young Families."