NYC DOT Launches Curb Enthusiasm, a Prett ay, Prett ay, Prett ay Good Podcast

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2024
Contact: (212) 839-4850, [email protected]

NYC DOT Launches Curb Enthusiasm, a Prett-ay, Prett-ay, Prett-ay Good Podcast

Curb Enthusiasm Offers Unique Insight Into What's New, Innovative, and Exciting in the World of Transportation and Urban Planning at the Local, National, and International Level

Inaugural Episode Features a Conversation With U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg, a Former NYC DOT Commissioner

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the launch of Curb Enthusiasm, a new podcast offering unique insight into what's new, innovative, and exciting in the world of transportation and urban planning. Created by NYC DOT, the podcast focuses on issues at the local, national, and international level and features guests who discuss the most consequential transportation work happening all over the globe. The inaugural episode features U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg, who previously served as NYC DOT commissioner from 2014 to 2020.

"The New York City Department of Transportation is proud to be an international leader in transportation, and our Curb Enthusiasm podcast provides a platform for guests to discuss what's new, innovative, and exciting in the world of transportation and urban planning," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "Curb Enthusiasm listeners will gain unique insight into how innovators are making streets safer, livable, and more sustainable."

The conversation with Deputy Secretary Trottenberg spans a range of topics, including the transportation sector's role in addressing the climate crisis, reconnecting communities divided by urban highways, reducing traffic fatalities, building the support needed to bring big ideas to fruition, and her proudest accomplishments at U.S. DOT, among other topics. In true Curb Enthusiasm fashion, she also opines on the most annoying breach of subway etiquette.

The podcast is hosted by Emily Weidenhof, Assistant Commissioner of Public Realm at NYC DOT. Emily works closely with community organization throughout the five boroughs to transform their streets as public space. Her focus for over a decade has been strengthening communities through the creation of plazas and shared streets and retooling the curb lane for innovative programming. She's also played an integral role in NYC DOT's Broadway Vision Plan, which employs a range of tools to reimagine the city's famed corridor from Union Square to Columbus Circle to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists. Emily has worked as an architect and urban designer in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, including at the NYC Department of City Planning. Emily received her bachelor's degree in architecture from Pennsylvania State University and her master's degree in architecture and urban design from Columbia University.

The inaugural episode is co-hosted by Natasha Bartley, the Director of Administration for NYC DOT's Office of Livable Streets. Natasha leads efforts in team development, budget management, and equity initiatives, with a focus on fostering an inclusive work environment. Her previous roles included managing IT contracts and personnel coordination, where she demonstrated expertise in fiscal oversight and operational efficiency. Natasha has successfully contributed to workforce diversity and succession planning programs, significantly enhancing organizational effectiveness. Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Urban Studies, Natasha is committed to advancing public sector leadership and organizational development. Additionally, as a CORO graduate, she brings a strong foundation in leadership development and public policy, further enriching her ability to drive impactful change in the public sector.

Curb Enthusiasm is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, BuzzSprout and other major streaming platforms. More information is available at nyc.gov/CurbEnthusiasm.

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