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The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York represents the professional engineers who plan and design the structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, civil, environmental, geotechnical, fire protection and technology systems for buildings and infrastructure throughout the city. As the voice of the professional engineering community, we believe in data-driven decision-making. We recently commissioned a poll of city Democrats likely to vote in the next month’s primary elections. The extent to which voters agree on what they want to hear from their representatives, and what they want them to do, is just as clear as their disappointment at what they aren’t hearing from the candidates or seeing happen.
When asked whether it was very important that New York City voters elect officials who will make infrastructure spending a top priority, 68% said yes. Voters don’t think enough is being done. More than 30% gave New York’s infrastructure a grade of D or F, and 34% gave it a C. Only 29% said it deserved an A or B grade.
Yet only 36% of voters said they think the candidates are talking about the issue enough!
The voters are worried about the city’s future, with 36% somewhat concerned and 49% very concerned. An equal amount said the city is very vulnerable to another Superstorm Sandy—and they are right. Plans to safeguard our waterfronts are significantly behind schedule.
Almost 70% of those polled said it is very important to strengthen critical infrastructure against extreme weather and sea-level rise.
More than 70% said they want our city reimagined so people are less dependent on cars and have better transit options and places to walk. Even more, 77%, said it is very important that the city be more energy-efficient and reduce its carbon footprint.
Voters understand the connection between the quality of city infrastructure and their quality of life. The city needs to pick up the pace of its spending and making resources available to make critical infrastructure improvements.
That takes commitment, and voters are keen for their representatives to take on that commitment.
In fact, by a more than 2-to-1 margin, the voters said the city should invest more in infrastructure even if it means raising taxes: 57% to 27%.
We might be on the verge of a wave of federal infrastructure spending if President Biden and Congress are able to work out their differences. We need to hear from candidates running for office in New York City that they will be shovel-ready when that day comes.
If Washington doesn’t follow through, we need city leaders even more who will do the best they can as fast as they can to use whatever funding is available to dig the city out of the economic hole left behind by Covid-19, restore confidence in the city and move toward a better future.
Jay Simson is president and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York.
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