Rebuilding Lower Manhattan: The Need for Cross-Sector Collaboration

Rebuilding Lower Manhattan will pose unprecedented challenges to the private, government, and nonprofit sectors, and many small businesses near the disaster zone are facing severe financial problems. Government loan programs are proving inadequate, because local business owners are already facing severe credit problems and are wary of taking on additional debt. Major corporations could be extremely helpful in keeping the small-business sector alive. Restoring transit links will be the key to spurring private sector investment. Improving access to downtown will bring back the customer base needed for business to thrive.