KARA built consensus around a unified vision for the Armory in 2005 through a community charette. This vision became the “KARA Community Benefits Principles,” a platform that received the support of key stakeholders in the community.

As a result of this process, KARA and elected allies were able to attract the attention of Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff who toured the Armory in May of 2006. Soon after the tour the city finally announced it would issue a Request for Proposals (RFP). In a unique step, the City’s Economic Development Corporation created a task force to write the RFP that included six KARA members. As a result of KARA’s participation an RFP was created that for the first time included language giving preference to proposals that create the most living wage jobs.

In addition to the living wage language, many of the community benefits principles, including local hiring provisions and recreation facilities were reflected in the RFP. The RFP also included a commitment from the City’s Department of Education and the School Construction Authority to build schools on the land adjacent to the building. The city subsequently reneged on this commitment in September 2007. KARA continues to fight for the schools.