Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bruce Schaller

Jon Orcutt Appointed as DOT Senior Policy Advisor

File under: Totally unimaginable just a few months ago.

Following the appointment of Bruce Schaller as Deputy Commissioner for Planning and Sustainability, Jon Orcutt is DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan's second high profile hire since taking over the agency. Stay tuned for one or two more big appointments.

Kate Slevin will be taking over as Tri-State Transportation Campaign's acting executive director. Here is the press release from TSTC:

After 13 years with the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Jon Orcutt is joining the staff of the New York City Dept. of Transportation to serve as senior policy advisor to new city transportation commissioner Janette Sadik- Khan.

The Tri-State Campaign's board of directors has appointed Kate Slevin as acting executive director.

Jon's new position is a testament to how far transportation reform themes have advanced in New York City and the metropolitan region. Mayor Michael Bloomberg's PlaNYC sustainability program for 2030 embraces congestion pricing for Manhattan south of 86th Street and a host of improvements to mass transit and the city's bicycling and walking environments. Congestion pricing to manage demand for metropolitan roadway travel was a founding principle of the Tri-State Campaign.

Jon has extensive experience as a transportation reform advocate in the New York region. He was executive director of Transportation Alternatives from 1989 to 1994, the Tri-State Campaign's associate director from 1994 to 2003 and executive director until June 8th, 2007. Last fall he served on the transportation advisory committee to Governor Spitzer's transition team.

"I've always had the highest regard for Commissioner Sadik-Khan's abilities, vision and drive and am excited to contribute to the transportation aspects of PlaNYC under her leadership," said Jon. "Meanwhile, I'm confident the Campaign will not miss a beat in Kate's capable hands."

Jon thanked the Campaign's present and past staff members for their tenacity and invaluable contributions to the organization's success, and the organization's directors and funders for the incredible education and innumerable opportunities that working at the Campaign provided him.

"Viewed from the perspective of 1994, today's public policy discussion of metropolitan transportation is almost unrecognizable. The Tri-State Transportation Campaign has played a strong role in changing the terms of discussion and the contents of many elements of policy. I think it's worth a case study in public advocacy success, and it's been a real privilege to have been involved," Jon said.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Money for Something: Funding OK’d, But Details Missing For ‘Dept. Of Sustainable Delivery’

The mayor got the Council to sign off on $6.1 million for the long-awaited “Department of Sustainable Delivery." But what's it mean? No one is talking.

July 1, 2025

Incoming Albany Mayor Could Help Safe Streets Movement Statewide

The state capital is built for the car and that is how it is experienced by our lawmakers. But could that change under a new mayor? Here's hoping.

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Another Child Sacrificed to the SUV Edition

Stop de kindermoord! An 8-year-old boy killed by an SUV driver is the latest victim of America's obsession with big cars. Plus other news.

July 1, 2025

DOT Testimony: Removing Bedford Ave. Bike Lane Will ‘Reduce Safety’

"Removing the protected bike lane won’t remove cyclists — it will only make the street less safe," the DOT said. "The city risks legal liability for knowingly reducing safety on a Vision Zero priority corridor."

June 30, 2025

Hochul Signs Speed Camera Reauthorization, Enforcement Continues Through 2030

Stating a clear fact that scores of state legislators reject, Hochul said, "Speed cameras save lives and keep New Yorkers safe."

June 30, 2025

Cyclists Tell Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo: The Bedford Ave. Bike Lane is a Lifesaver

A judge will decide the fate of the Bedford Avenue bike lane on Tuesday. Streetsblog offers some user affidavits.

June 30, 2025
See all posts