The original Fashion Manufacturers Initiative (FMI) was created in 2013 to help New York City fashion manufacturers modernize their equipment and facilities. In addition to NYCEDC's investment in the Local Production Fund, the program is made possible by initial industry support from Andrew Rosen, TWP and the American Apparel & Footwear Association, with additional partners to be announced. From the program's launch through 2024, $6.7 million was invested in more than 220 grants and workforce support programs that impacted the work of 3,708 employees. The program consisted of six main components: innovation grants, workforce development, programs and collaborations, and a manufacturing database. For this next phase, the Local Production Fund is an optimal investment to redouble efforts to ensure that the historic garment manufacturing ecosystem can continue to call New York City home.
NYCEDC and CFDA launched a $1.7 million Local Production Fund under the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative to boost apparel manufacturing in New York City. It will support 21 manufacturers and 43 designers for two years. Leveraging $6.7 million invested since 2013, the program aims to strengthen local manufacturing, jobs and partnerships amid the redevelopment of Midtown South.
“The Fashion Manufacturing Initiative's decade of impact, which supported more than 3,500 New Yorkers, helped strengthen the foundation of New York City's historic garment manufacturing industry while promoting a diverse local workforce,” he said Jeanny Pak, Acting President and CEO of NYCEDC. “Building on that growth, NYCEDC is proud to continue our partnership with CFDA through the new Local Production Fund, which will deepen collaboration between local designers and manufacturers, helping to boost production and ensuring this vital industry continues to thrive in New York City.”
“At the CFDA, we are committed to supporting American designers not only creatively, but also in building strong, sustainable businesses, and the Local Production Fund is a critical step in helping them access local manufacturing, build lasting partnerships, and grow within New York City,” he said. Steven Kolb, president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
In August 2025, the New York City Council and City Council adopted the Midtown South Mixed Use Plan (MSMX), driving the transformation of 42 blocks in Midtown South into a 24/7 mixed-use neighborhood, facilitating the creation of 9,500 new homes, including 2,800 new permanently affordable units. In light of this historic opportunity, NYCEDC, in partnership with former New York City Councilman Erik Bottcher, undertook a six-month engagement process in the MSMX area, including the historic Garment District, where businesses identified programming needs and understanding of existing NYCEDC programs, the CFDA said in a press release.
NYCEDC created Midtown Made to promote existing programming that supports the MSMX area as rezoning develops. NYCEDC will continue its partnership with CFDA to promote NYCEDC's programs for the fashion sector through webinars, newsletters, paid social media efforts and events, under the Midtown Made brand. Our partnership and advocacy efforts will direct businesses to the new Midtown Made resource center on the NYCEDC website and continue to support the manufacturers who make New York City's fashion industry run day in and day out.
“The talent and expertise of New York City's local manufacturing facilities are critical to fostering the growth of the next generation of American designers and helping them build their brands,” said Andrew Rosen. “The Fashion Manufacturing Initiative, and now the Local Production Fund, are investing in and supporting this vital ecosystem. I am excited and proud to be part of the continuation of such an important mission, one that helps ensure that apparel manufacturing in New York City continues to thrive.”
“For generations, New York City's fashion industry has been woven into the fabric of our economy, and the Local Production Fund is exactly the kind of investment we need to keep it strong. At a time when tariffs and global supply chain pressures are squeezing designers, manufacturers and small businesses, supporting local production is critical to protecting good jobs and strengthening our workforce,” he said Virginia Maloney, board member. “As Chair of the Council's Economic Development Committee, I am proud to work closely with NYCEDC and CFDA on initiatives like this, along with efforts like Midtown Made that support businesses in the Garment District as Midtown South evolves. This $1.7 million investment sends a clear message: New York City stands behind its fashion industry and is committed to ensuring it has a future here.”
Fiber2Fashion (RR) News Desk
