By Ezgi Karayel, President, NYC Brownfield Partnership

As I look ahead to stepping down as President of the NYC Brownfield Partnership in two short months, I have been reflecting on the impact this organization has had on me—and the legacy I hope to leave behind. For me, that legacy is embodied in the Innovative Development Summit. This Summit represents not just a program, but a vision: a space where practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders come together to think differently, exchange ideas, and shape the future of redevelopment in New York City and beyond.

I could not have pursued this vision without the extraordinary support of my colleagues. The NYC Brownfield Partnership is a uniquely collaborative organization.  It has been my honor to work alongside Victoria Whelan, whose leadership as co-chair of the Summit has been invaluable. I am equally grateful to the Board of Directors and the Summit Committee—Michael Bogin, George Duke, Matt Sinkman, Elizabeth Burgess, and Mindy Horowitz—for their insight, energy, and commitment to advancing our mission. Your dedication, wisdom, and collaborative spirit have brought this ambitious initiative to life.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency for their longstanding contributions to the Partnership and their active involvement with the Summit. Their leadership, expertise, and partnership continue to play a vital role in shaping the policies, programs, and collaborations that drive brownfield redevelopment across the city.

The Summit is just one example of what makes this organization special. Over the past several years, I have been proud to see the Scholarship Program grow, providing meaningful support to the next generation of environmental professionals. Our committees continue to expand the Partnership’s reach, whether it’s through educational programming, advocacy, or community engagement. There is always more to do, and I encourage anyone who has been inspired by our work to volunteer your time and talents—you will find that the rewards are greater than you can imagine.

Personally, this role has offered me opportunities I never thought I would be a part of, from representing the Partnership in meetings with government officials during the renewal of the Brownfield Cleanup Program, to helping shape conversations that influence the very fabric of urban redevelopment. These experiences underscored how critical it is to ensure New York’s redevelopment is equitable, sustainable, and forward-looking.

Above all, I am thankful for the people I’ve met along the way. Through the NYC Brownfield Partnership, I have found mentors, colleagues, and lifelong friends I know will remain a part of my life well beyond my tenure as President. I am especially grateful to Mary Manto and Susan Boyle, whose mentorship and encouragement have profoundly shaped my leadership. That, more than any single initiative, is the gift of service I will carry with me.

Thank you for allowing me to serve. As I prepare to pass the torch, I do so with immense gratitude and confidence. The NYC Brownfield Partnership will continue to thrive, building a city where redevelopment is not only possible but transformative.

Regards,

Ezgi Karayel