The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc (CFDA), has announced the continuation of the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) with the launch of a new Local Production Fund to support the city’s garment manufacturers. The Local Production Fund will support designers and garment manufacturers by strengthening relationships and driving local production order growth over a two-year time frame. The programme will provide credits for up to 21 local garment manufacturers that can be used for re-shoring production orders for up to 43 fashion designers over 2 years and up to 3 seasons.
The original Fashion Manufacturers Initiative (FMI) was created in 2013 to support New York City fashion manufacturers to modernise their equipment and facilities. In addition to the NYCEDC’s investment in the Local Production Fund, the programme is made possible by early industry support from Andrew Rosen, TWP, and the American Apparel & Footwear Association, with additional partners to be announced. From the programme’s launch until 2024, $6.7 million was invested across 220+ grants and workforce support programming impacting the work of 3,708 employees. The programme consisted of six core components: innovation grants, workforce development, programmes & collaborations, and a production database. For this next phase, the Local Production Fund is an optimal investment to double down on ensuring the historic garment manufacturing ecosystem can continue to call New York City home.
“The Fashion Manufacturing Initiative’s decade of impact, supporting over 3,500 New Yorkers, helped strengthen the foundation of New York City’s historic garment manufacturing industry while advancing a diverse local workforce,” said NYCEDC interim president & CEO Jeanny Pak. “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 drive production and ensure this vital industry continues to thrive in New York City.”
“At the CFDA, we are committed to supporting American designers not just creatively, but 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,” said Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) president Steven Kolb.
In August 2025, the New York City Council and City Hall adopted the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) Plan, advancing the transformation of 42 blocks in Midtown South into a 24/7 mixed-use neighbourhood by facilitating the creation of 9,500 new homes including 2,800 permanently affordable new units. In light of this historic opportunity, NYCEDC, in partnership with former NYC Councilmember Erik Bottcher, undertook a six-month engagement process in the MSMX area—including the historic Garment District—where businesses identified needs for programming and understanding of existing NYCEDC programmes, CFDA said in a press release.
NYCEDC created Midtown Made to promote existing programming that supports the MSMX area as the rezoning unfolds. NYCEDC will continue its partnership with CFDA to promote NYCEDC’s programmes for the fashion sector through webinars, newsletters, paid social media efforts and events, under the Midtown Made brand. Our partnership and promotion efforts will direct businesses to the new Midtown Made resource hub on NYCEDC’s website and continue the support for the manufacturers that make New York City’s Fashion industry hum day after day.
“The talent and expertise of New York City’s local manufacturing facilities is instrumental in 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, is investing in and supporting this vital ecosystem. I’m excited and proud to be part of the continuation of such an important mission—one that helps ensure garment 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,” said Council member Virginia Maloney. “As Chair of the Council’s Committee on Economic Development, I’m proud to work closely with NYCEDC and CFDA on initiatives like this, alongside efforts like Midtown Made that are supporting 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.”
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)
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