Lauren Melodia is an economist at the Center for New York City Affairs, where her local economic and labor market analysis has contributed to policy debates and proposals on a wide variety of issues – from care sector wage policies to City-wide public safety policies. Prior to joining the Center, she worked at the Roosevelt Institute, providing analysis on the Covid-19 economic recovery, inflation, and national fiscal and monetary policy. Lauren has presented her work to the US Joint Economic Committee, the House Financial Services Committee, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the New York Legislature, and the New York City Council. Prior to working as an economist, she designed and promoted cooperative and regional economic development projects to maintain and create jobs for marginalized New York workers – from formerly incarcerated people to residents in rural areas.