BWW Exclusive: Javier Muñoz Shines a Spotlight on the Helpers of the Broadway Relief Project- James Patchett

When New York City was in need, Broadway stepped in to help. Broadway Green Alliance, Open Jar Studios and Broadway veteran Javier Muñoz came together in March to form Broadway Relief Project- a coalition of many skilled artists in the Broadway community who are partnering with NYC/EDC (Economic Development Corporation) to assist the medical community to build surgical gowns and other needed materials.

As of May 5, the newly formed organization has created and shipped over 28,875 emergency medical gowns for NYC hospitals, and has been tasked with creating over 50,000 total.

Countless Broadway helpers have made that goal a reality, and we're shining a much-deserved spotlight on some of them. Below, watch as Javier chats with James Patchett - President and CEO of the NYC EDC.

"One of the things that is particularly inspirational about the [Broadway Relief Project] story is how it is putting New Yorkers who are out of their jobs back to work," Patchett says. "There is an opportunity to have a real win-win- to both protect our workers and put people back to work."

Patchett has spent his career building stronger cities through investments in affordable housing, innovation, and 21st century infrastructure. In his current role overseeing job growth and economic development for the City of New York, James taps into his deep experience in real estate, finance, government, and urban planning. During his tenure, he has overseen some of the city's most ambitious projects, including launching a citywide ferry system, developing Mayor de Blasio's 100,000 jobs plan, and optimizing NYCEDC's 60 million square feet of real estate. Prior to his appointment as NYCEDC President in 2016, James served as chief of staff to Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen, where he helped oversee more than 25 city agencies and played a pivotal role in preserving thousands of affordable homes. Before moving to City Hall, James was a vice president in Goldman Sachs' Urban Investment Group, where he spent seven years providing equity and debt to projects ranging from commercial developments to housing to charter schools.

If you want to get involved with the Broadway Relief Project and help create PPE for NYC's front lines, visit https://www.openjarstudios.com/broadwayrelief or follow @broadwaygreenalliance for more information.