Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Janette Sadik-Khan

Janette Sadik-Khan, “Guerilla Bureaucrat”

1124_Goldstein_lead.jpgSadik-Khan and Jay-Z at a Summer Streets press conference. Photo: AP.

In an American Prospect profile of NYC's DOT commish, Dana Goldstein examines how Janette Sadik-Khan has worked toward transportation reforms without the benefit of legislative support. The piece pretty much nails the political context of the city's recent setbacks and advances, providing a window onto the commissioner's frame of mind:

Sadik-Khan sees the initial rejection of congestion pricing as an opportunity. "You know, no big idea happens in New York the first time around," she says. "It is almost a benefit that congestion pricing didn't pass, because now we are able to get all these pieces in place prior to the start of pricing."

There's also plenty of fodder here to fuel speculation about a potential role for Sadik-Khan in the Obama administration, although as Streetsblog's Aaron Naparstek says, "She could have more of an impact here."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Delivery Apps Have Stolen $550M From Workers By Changing How Customers Tip: Mamdani Admin. Report

The average tip on UberEats and DoorDash is just 76¢ per delivery — compared to $2.17 on apps that offer the option to tip before checkout.

January 13, 2026

NJ Pols Want Registration Of Low-Speed E-Bikes, Despite Driver Mayhem

A restrictive e-bike registration bill is one step closer to becoming law in the Garden State.

January 13, 2026

Go ACE! Bus Stops Are Clearer Than Ever Thanks To MTA’s Bus-Mounted Camera Enforcement

Automated cameras are clearing up bus stops across the city.

January 13, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines: It’s a Tracker Edition

Check it out: We're tracking if Mayor Mamdani will delivery where Mayor Eric Adams failed. Plus other news.

January 13, 2026

BREAKING: Brooklyn Judge Dismisses Court St. Bike Lane Lawsuit

Justice Inga O'Neale dismissed the lawsuit by the Court Street Merchants Association.

January 12, 2026

‘It’s About Execution’: Mamdani Deputy Mayor Slams Adams for ‘Interference’ With Bus Projects

The Mamdani administration revived a Madison Avenue bus lane project that officials said was stalled by the previous mayor's team.

January 12, 2026
See all posts