Bio
Maggie Moss (she/they) is a first-year student at NYU Wagner, pursuing a Master’s of Urban Planning. She intends to specialize in urban analytics and to use her education to advocate for socioeconomic equality in urban space. At NYU, she is on the executive board of the Wagner Consulting Group and currently works as a graduate assistant to the Office of Student Services. After graduating from George Washington University with a B.S. in geology, Moss worked at a criminal defense law firm in Manhattan for two years. Her experience in law paired with her public service education allows her to work at the nexus of legal and professional advocacy. Moss volunteers her time as the Director of the Out for Undergrad Marketing Conference, which helps high-achieving LGBTQ+ students reach their full potential and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across multiple industries. This summer, she is excited to work with ALIGN, an alliance of community and labor organizations united for a just and sustainable New York.
Project Summary
This summer, I worked with ALIGN to estimate the number of green jobs that may be connected to NYC’s Build it Back Hurricane Sandy recovery program. My research included creating a database of consolidated public employment data, determining a proper definition for green economic activity and green jobs based on the programmatic case study, and analyzing data to create a conservative estimate of green job growth that could be traced to the public program that leverages local, state, and federal grants.
My research is ongoing, and my time with ALIGN will extend until the end of September in order to finalize two deliverables. The research primarily will contribute to a white paper that assesses the impact of the Build it Back program on green growth in its political and economic contexts. The white paper will inform a StoryMap and webpage that will visualize the analysis and discussion for the public.
Mission Statement
Across the nation, people are talking about a green revolution. This revolution of infrastructure and commerce is not only a vital response to climate change, but also a mechanism for economic change. ALIGN NY aims to support New York’s transition to a green economy, and my goals for this summer include supporting ALIGN in doing so. A main focus of my research will include answering the questions so often asked in response to plans for green infrastructure overhauls: Do green policies really grow the economy? and What impact on short- and long-term local job growth do these policies have?
The Gallatin Global Fellowship in Urban Practice provides funding of up to $5,000 and support for 6-10 advanced BA and MA students to pursue extended, community-engaged, practice-based research projects in partnership with urban social justice organizations.
