We strive to make NYC work.
The 5BORO Institute is a cutting-edge, action-oriented think tank advancing creative solutions to strengthen New York City. We exist to solve New York City’s most challenging problems. We believe our city must remain vibrant, dynamic, and diverse — a home for New Yorkers to thrive in and a destination for dreamers, strivers, immigrants, and innovators.
We partner with policymakers, government agencies, and community leaders to tackle complex issues with innovative thinking on behalf of New Yorkers. To ensure our ideas lead to action, we make accessible research, develop clear roadmaps, and work with New Yorkers to build support.
The 5BORO Institute is headquartered at New York Law School and is a 501c3 non-profit organization within the Fund for the City of New York’s fiscal sponsorship network
The 5BORO Institute was founded in 2022 by two leaders of the NYC civic space, Tom Allon and Dick Ravitch.
Tom Allon is a media entrepreneur and the founder and publisher of the respected media company City & State. Richard Ravitch was a lawyer, businessman, and legendary figure in New York civic life who served as Lieutenant Governor of New York and chairman and CEO of the MTA.
Together, they established the 5BORO Institute to guide NYC through a period of immense transition and immense possibilities and secure our city’s future.
Our board is comprised of business and community leaders from diverse sectors in NYC and government veterans who served at the highest levels of New York City and State. These leaders are deeply committed to our city’s future and understand how to effectively create change in NYC.
City & State
Former Lieutenant Governor
Tusk Strategies
APLnyc & InfrastructureUSA
Kasirer
Mount Sinai
Microsoft
Grand Central Partnership
National Grid
Building Trades Employers Association
WPP
Freelancers Union
Feinberg Strategies and Former NYC Transit President
Fetner Properties
DC37
Six Bells and The Wing
Gotham Ghostwriters
Bolton St. John’s
Liberal Party of NY
Founder Agora
Charter Communications
REBNY
MPS
Moonshot Strategies
Two Trees
Holly Lynch Consulting
Mission Society of NY
SKDK
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Former NYS Supreme Court Justice
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Columbia University