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William C. Rudin
Chairman
Michelle A. Adams
Executive Director |
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 For more than thirty years, the Association for a Better New York has served as the leading forum where elected officials and private sector leaders work together on potential solutions to New York City’s most pressing economic and social problems.
ABNY arose as a creative response to New York’s fiscal crisis in the 1970s. To help the City regain its economic footing, Lew Rudin (1927-2001) convened a group of leaders representing diverse industries and interests. These ABNY co-founders included Al Marshall, Irving Schneider, Howard Rubenstein, Samuel Lindenbaum, Charles Benenson, Alan Tishman, Robert Tisch, Aaron Gural, Sanford Abelson, Rex Tompkins and Jack Bigel. ABNY quickly developed into New York’s premier civic organization.
 Over the years, ABNY’s famous “power breakfasts” have brought together leaders of business, political, labor, community and non-profit organizations to discuss tough issues facing our City, State and nation. In addition, ABNY has piloted many of New York City’s best-known projects and campaigns.
Lew Rudin led the effort to extend the New York City Marathon to all five boroughs. He also worked closely with City administrators to develop initiatives to improve the quality of public education. ABNY “adopted” a Bronx public school and helped develop the Dial-a-Teacher program and the It’s a Great College Town marketing campaign. ABNY also spearheaded the legendary I LOVE NY campaign for New York City and State. Lew Rudin personally handed out thousands of Golden Apple lapel pins. Many referred to him affectionately as “Mr. New York.”
 Today, under the leadership of Lew’s son, William Rudin, ABNY continues to carry out its mission. ABNY’s strengths are many:
- Firm roots in New York – and an intuitive understanding of the City’s wide-ranging needs;
- Diversity of membership, which includes organizations in all sectors (business, finance, labor, non-profit, health, travel and tourism, communications, education, and sports and entertainment);
- A proven ability to identify emerging issues, to support programs and to host events that lead to significant improvements in the City’s quality of life;
- A tradition of good will and collaboration that transcends political differences;
- And an abiding commitment to make New York a better place for those who live in, work in, or visit the City.
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