Big news from the Big Apple as Mayor Zohran Mamdani sets forth his latest play in the ever-evolving field of city transport. In a move that's catching eyes across New York's bustling streets, the mayor has tapped Midori Valdivia to head the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). With an impressive CV that spans various transportation and operational leadership roles, Valdivia is known for her worker-centered approach and advocacy for sustainable transport solutions. As per the NYC Mayor's Office official announcement, her experience includes pushing wage standards for airport service workers and participating in a study that set the precedent for driver pay.
Riding on a wave of tangible reform and seeking to steer the TLC into a new era, Valdivia brings her expertise to the table, formerly serving as a board member for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and working closely with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Riding to his inauguration with taxi driver Richard Chow earlier this month, who once joined Mamdani in a hunger strike for taxi drivers' rights, the Mayor's nomination signals a continued commitment to these very individuals who keep the city moving day in and day out.
Mayor Mamdani, in selecting Valdivia, praised her as "a forceful champion at the TLC," according to his words obtained by the NYC Mayor's Office announcement. He confidently declared that her appointment would deliver "meaningful change in the lives of the working people," placing her at the forefront of the fight for taxi drivers' justice. With the TLC regulating over 200,000 drivers and orchestrating around 1,000,000 trips each day, her role is set to be pivotal in shaping the city's transport landscape.
Valdivia, who holds a Master's in Public Affairs and Urban and Regional Planning from Princeton, also graces the boards of the Transit Center and the Shared-Use Mobility Center, gearing her up for the challenges of NYC's transport demands. While maintaining her residence in Brooklyn with her family, Valdivia is poised to approach this next chapter with the credence of those backing her up, including applaud from Meera Joshi, a Green-Wood president and former TLC chair, who noted Valdivia's resilience through past industry upheavals. Touted by many as a problem solver, Valdivia's appointment to the TLC has already received backing from prominent groups such as the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, as stated by executive director Bhairavi Desai in the same release.
Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice, Julie Su, summarized the city's expectations: "New Yorkers deserve safe, reliable, affordable transportation where those who drive for a living are treated with dignity and respect." Valdivia's nomination promises to galvanize a TLC ready to roll with the punches of the constantly shifting urban landscape, making sure every New Yorker can get from A to B with ease and fairness, as reported by the NYC Mayor's Office.
