HR&A Advisors, Inc.

By Kate Wittels , Giacomo Bagarella , Bret Collazzi , and  Amelia Taylor-Hochberg   Innovation happens constantly, some of it directed at cities. Not all of that urban community-directed technology is actually good for the people who live in cities. That’s why we see collaboration as essential to creating technology for good — going beyond the collaboration among innovators that is routinely celebrated to effect collaboration with and led by tech users, civic stakeholders, and communities themselves. Our clients have demonstrated that collaboratively developed tech products can redress economic, environmental, and social challenges and contribute to local strength and resiliency.   1. Collaboration with users is fundamental to building public service tools that are accessible, useful, and effective. When millions lost their jobs in early 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19, the federal government expanded eligibility for unemployment insurance, enabling gig workers...

HR&A is pleased to announce one of our largest and most diverse cohorts of new additions to the firm, spanning our six offices and various roles. This group of analysts, urbanists, and creative problem-solvers came together early this summer in our New York office for our annual HR&A University training week to network and learn about the wide range of important work happening across our practice. We’re excited to continue tackling the complex challenges facing our cities with these talented team members.   Alexandra Belyaev, Special Assistant to the Executive Office   | Alexandra joins HR&A as Special Assistant to the Executive Office. She brings extensive experience in shaping collaborations that center dignity, generativity, and abundance.   Andrew Bolton, Research Analyst   |  In his role as a Research Analyst, Andrew provides research and analytical support to a wide range of projects at HR&A.   Melanie Downing, Practice Operatio...