Adjunct Professor Alicia Glen, who started the popular Social Impact Real Estate Investing and Development class, was tapped by incoming Mayor Bill de Blasio to be deputy mayor for housing and economic development. Her work in that new role will be key to delivering on the administration’s promise of increasing affordable housing. She will also be responsible for leading “the administration’s efforts to invest in emerging industries across the five boroughs, retarget unsuccessful corporate subsidies ... and help New Yorkers secure good-paying jobs that can support a family,” according to the announcement.
The shift in job title, from what was previously called deputy mayor for economic development and rebuilding, was in itself hailed as progress toward streamlining the process for builders. As noted in a July 2013 interview with one of her students, Glen has aimed to “connect the dots between the public and private sectors to advance not only business profitability but also long-term social benefit” throughout her career. In her previous position heading the Urban Investment Group at Goldman, Sachs & Co., for example, she financed job creation and neighborhood revitalization strategies and invested in the nation’s first social impact bond.“I know she will be a great advocate for affordable housing and economic development,” stated Earle W. Kazis and Benjamin Schore Professor of Real Estate and MBA Real Estate Program Director Lynne B. Sagalyn, whom Glen names as one of her mentors. “The city is fortunate to have her talent and dedication to the task.”