The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation was created in the aftermath of September 11, 2001 by then-Governor Pataki and then-Mayor Giuliani to help plan and coordinate the rebuilding and revitalization of Lower Manhattan, defined as everything on or south of Houston Street. The LMDC is a joint State-City corporation governed by a eight-member Board of Directors, half appointed by the Governor of New York and half by the Mayor of New York. LMDC is charged with ensuring Lower Manhattan recovers from the attacks and emerges even better than it was before. The centerpiece of LMDC’s efforts is the creation of a permanent memorial honoring those lost, while affirming the democratic values that came under attack on September 11.

LMDC works in cooperation with its partners in the public and private sectors to coordinate long-term planning for the World Trade Center site and surrounding communities, while pursuing initiatives to improve the quality of life in Lower Manhattan during the revitalization effort. LMDC is committed to an open, inclusive, and transparent planning process in which the public has a central role in shaping the future of Lower Manhattan. Several Advisory Councils representing a broad spectrum of groups affected by the World Trade Center attacks – including victims’ families, business owners and downtown residents - have consulted with the LMDC on issues of concern to their respective constituencies. LMDC also conducts public hearings, participates in Community Board meetings, and meets with community groups, civic organizations and public officials to ensure the opinions of those who were affected by this tragedy are taken into account.