Ydanis Rodriguez was appointed NYC Commissioner of Transportation by Mayor Eric Adams in December 2021 and began his role on January 1, 2022. As the first Latino and only the second person of color to hold the position, he oversees 5,500+ employees, a $1.4B annual budget, and a $33B 10-year capital plan. Rodriguez aims to make NYC the most walkable and bikeable city in the U.S., focusing on collaboration across government, communities, business, and academia. His major initiatives include a $1B boost to the Streets Master Plan, redesigning 1,000 intersections, and securing 24/7 operation of NYC’s speed cameras.

Previously, he served on the City Council (2009–2021), chairing the Transportation Committee, and championed Fair Fares, Car-Free Earth Day, and numerous bills improving transit, safety, and social equity. Before politics, Rodriguez was a NYC public school teacher for 15+ years and co-founded two schools serving immigrant and underserved communities. Born in the Dominican Republic, he immigrated to NYC at 18, drove livery cabs to fund his education, and earned BA and MA degrees from City College (CUNY).