EDC’s McDonald a Leading Candidate for DOT Commissioner

From today’s Crain’s Insider:

Insiders say Joan McDonald, senior vice president of transportation for the city’s Economic Development Corp., is the leading candidate to replace Iris Weinshall as transportation commissioner. McDonald has a broad resume, having worked for Jacobs Engineering Group, the city Department of Transportation, the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s office would not comment on her candidacy. Weinshall is leaving the job in mid-April to take a vice chancellor’s post at CUNY.

  • jk

    This rumor makes a lot of sense. It’s likely McDonald has worked closely with Dep Mayor Doctoroff, since EDC is his main agency. If memory serves, McDonald was brought into DOT by Lee Sander around 1994 as a counterweight to the traffic engineers. EDC is in charge of the Hunts Point truck and greenway project in the South Bronx. Groups there probably know her well. Her appointment could be very good for the DOT bike/ped group and issues like car-free Central and Prospect Parks. Without doubt Doctoroff’s influence will be felt much more.

  • JK:

    Thanks for the info. You are a fabulous fountain of information.

  • Elizabeth

    This is a great idea. Joan McDonald is a wonderful choice for DOT Commissioner.

  • Dani

    I agree, McDonald will make a great DOT commissioner.
    Jim, what can we do to show our support?

  • JK

    I like the optimism. There are lots of good projects and ideas stuck in city agencies. T.A.and others have done a terrific job building support for them, and many could be done quickly. However, political support is uneven. A “great” commissioner will be one who connects the dots for the mayor and city council. They need to understand that building huge amounts of new parking and failing to deal with trucks and on-street parking will result in local pedestrian and cycling improvements drowning under a sea of increasing traffic— and Bus Rapid Transit never taking flight.

  • Wally

    Joan McDonald would be an excellent choice. I worked with Joan at both DOT and also while she has been at EDC and I have the absolute highest respect for Ms. McDonald. Great Choice!!!

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