CHRISTOPHER JONES

Christopher Jones brings 15 years of experience in economic analysis, policy planning and project management to his position as Regional Plan Association’s director of economic programs. In his five years at RPA, he has written several reports on the economy of the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut region, developed and managed a diverse set of interdisciplinary projects, and initiated the Workforce Campaign, RPA’s newest program area.

In the area of economic analysis and policy development, he authored the "Economy" and "Workforce" chapters of A Region At Risk: The Third Regional Plan for New York-New Jersey-Connecticut Metropolitan Area, RPA’s influential blueprint for the tri-state region. More recently, he researched and authored Low-Income Communities and the Changing Regional Economy, a report for the Department of Housing and Urban Development that identified opportunities and barriers to connecting low-income urban communities with suburban employment centers. He has also written several analyses of specific industries, such as business services and technology, and has organized and led forums on topics ranging from technology and community development to education finance. Currently, he is directing RPA’s development of an annual publication of regional indicators, which will provide benchmarks for the region’s progress in economic development, social equity and environmental stewardship. He is also chairing a committee that is developing job creation strategies to benefit low-income New York City residents. He has also managed projects that developed business support activities for the region’s emerging new media industry in 1995 and 1996, and a study of development impacts resulting from the extension of Metro North’s Harlem Valley line.

Prior to joining RPA, Mr. Jones served as special assistant to the deputy mayor for planning and development in New York City, where his duties included coordinating budget oversight for 8 city agencies and directing interagency task forces on capital planning, transit and infrastructure projects. Previously, he was supervisor of forecasting and analysis for the Office of Business Development at the Port Authority of New York-New Jersey, where he was the principle researcher for several analyses of the region’s economy and workforce. As a private consultant, he recently authored the chapter on national workforce trends for a five-year research plan being prepared for the U.S. Employment and Training Administration.

Mr. Jones received a Master of Urban Planning degree from Hunter College of the City University of New York and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Albany.

RPA
4 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003
Tel: 212-253-2727
chris@rpa.org