Prior to joining Capalino, Brian Cook was the Director of the Economic Development Bureau of the New York City Comptroller, a Commissioner of the New York City Banking Commission, and a Board member of the New York City Industrial Development Agency and its related non-profit BuildNYC. Brian oversaw the Bureau whose responsibilities including: analyzing inducements for industrial and commercial expansions; reviewing neighborhood development proposals; supporting New York City Business Improving Districts; evaluating and approving property tax rebate and lean policy; and designating banks for New York City deposit. Additionally, the Bureau made recommendations to the five pension funds on Economically Targeted Investments, which are investments that are designed to have positive collateral benefits for low-, middle and moderate income New Yorkers.
Prior to joining the Comptroller’s office, Brian was the Director of Land Use, Planning and Development for the Manhattan Borough President, the New York County executive. His duties included overseeing making recommendations on all discretionary changes to zoning, land use or environmental law; overseeing the Borough President’s community planning initiatives; training community members in zoning and land use law; negotiating with developers for impact mitigation including public parks and affordable housing; and issuing policy reports on New York City’s development.