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Research + Data — Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

Research + Data

Original research, policy analysis, and economic data powering smarter decisions for Manhattan's 129,000+ businesses.

Enforcement + Fines
62.3% end in default judgment
Enforcement Uncovered: Systemic Flaws in City Inspections

Analysis of 211,000+ inspection activities reveals a system where default judgments dominate, paperwork violations outnumber real fraud, and transparency gaps undermine the right-to-cure program.

Economic Data
13.43% Manhattan vacancy rate
The State of Manhattan Business

A snapshot of Manhattan's economy heading into 2026: record employment tempered by slowing momentum, strong tourism, and storefront vacancies exceeding the citywide average.

Policy BriefEconomic Data
$9M daily economic loss
Broadway Strike Economic Impact Analysis

Urgent analysis projecting $9 million in daily economic losses from a potential Broadway work stoppage, with devastating ripple effects on restaurants, hotels, and retail across the city.

Tariffs + Trade
First-of-its-kind local assessment
Assessing the Impact of Tariffs on NYC Businesses

The Chamber's initial rapid-response briefing on new federal tariffs, identifying the most vulnerable sectors and providing clarity to business owners navigating the fast-moving trade landscape.

Enforcement + FinesPolicy Brief
171% spike in summonses
The Need for Greater Transparency of Small Business Fines

DCWP summonses to non-licensed businesses surged 171% in a single year. This report calls for transparency into why fines are skyrocketing and what's driving the enforcement increase.

Economic Data
50% still struggling post-pandemic
Storefront Business Survey: Sept/Oct 2024

Survey of 264 Manhattan storefront businesses reveals half continue to struggle in the wake of the pandemic, with owners citing rising costs, government ineffectiveness, and affordability challenges.

Policy Brief
Legislative accountability gap
The Need for Economic Impact Statements

This issue brief calls on the NYC Council to adopt a formal protocol requiring economic impact analysis of legislation before it is voted upon — bringing accountability to the lawmaking process.

Economic Data
$30B+ injected into NYC economy
The Impact of PPP on New York City's Economy

Chamber data analysis found the federal Paycheck Protection Program injected more than $30 billion into NYC's economy and saved 3.2 million jobs during the Covid pandemic.

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