NYC opens the city up to small scale manufacturing

For the first time in 60 years, New York City recently conducted a major overhaul of their commercial zoning laws.

In reaction to empty storefronts in the city thanks to the aftermath of the pandemic, Mayor Eric Adams' office passed new city by-laws that now allow an expansion of manufacturing in the city, more than doubling the space available for clean manufacturing by allowing small businesses — such as microbreweries, apparel makers and ceramic shops — to open and expand in commercial corridors across all five boroughs. 

The nurturing of 'artisanal manufacturing'

It's not just NYC that have seen the opportunity here, cities across the US are looking at ways that they can create the conditions under which 'artisanal manufacturing' is encouraged in city neighbourhoods.

'The benefits of small-scale manufacturing businesses are profound. Not only do they bring needed energy and spending to communities, but they address other economic needs as well. They provide middle-income jobs that pay better than traditional retail and hospitality positions. They enhance wealth-building across a city’s demographic diversity, as increased business ownership helps address the pervasive racial wealth gap. '

The economic opportunity

Nothing creates more sustainable economic prosperity for a society than manufacturing. So it makes complete sense that government (local and national) would do everything in their power to enable small-scale. artisanal manufacturers to have easy access to setting up operations and granting these operators fictionless access to markets.

These are the businesses that can create jobs, upskill people, innovate and, over time, build great brands that can grow exponentially.

City by laws obviously need to keep cities livable, but they are also there to ensure that cities are vibrant, diverse places for entrepreneurs and customers. This development could be a good one to actively replicate in cities throughout the world.

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