On June 28th, 2022, Terri Matthews, DDC’s Director of Town+Gown, was celebrated at the Midtown Loft & Terrace, as one of City & State’s Above and Beyond Innovators. City & State Innovators are New Yorkers who are disrupting the status quo and driving transformative change. New York is a leader in innovation, and its embrace of transformative change goes far beyond a few industries or sectors. State and local government officials have launched groundbreaking programs that serve as models for others across the country. City & State’s inaugural Above & Beyond: Innovator’s list recognizes the transformative work that leaders in government, business and the nonprofit sector have done to improve the lives of New Yorkers across the state.
“It is not surprising to anyone who knows Terri to learn she was selected as one of City & State’s Above & Beyond Innovators. Terri is a practical visionary who always thinking of creative way to bring about transformative change, solve everyday problems, and improve our city’s infrastructure. Town+Gown’s collaboration across city agencies and academia provides information that helps to improve our great city,” said Lee Llambelis, Deputy Commissioner for Community Partnerships and STEAM Initiatives.
Town+Gown is a unique partnership that brings together academics and professionals working in construction and in New York City’s built environment. Town+Gown aims to foster projects between scholars studying the field and those working in it, while also cultivating research to develop new policies and best practices.
“Because we're in government, we can support academic research. What was lacking was the ability to investigate underlying causes and systemic interactions. I noticed that there was no easy way for agencies to get academic resources. That experience ultimately empowered me to understand the need for and value of marrying practical and academic knowledge, a revelation that fueled the creation of Town+Gown,” said Terri Matthews, Director of Town+Gown.
Matthews’ interest in construction dates back to her time working in procurement in the Bloomberg Administration. Procurement in New York City is divided into various fields such as human services, construction and goods. Terri wanted to focus on improving construction. She previously managed a capital construction working group and this experience became the foundation for Town+Gown. She started working at DDC in 2007.
About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15.5 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.