The department is designed to help the city regulate small delivery vehicles, manage curb space and congestion, and prepare for new technology like delivery drones.
A brand new municipal department will regulate New York City’s delivery bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and other small devices.
John Surico, writing in Bloomberg CityLab, notes that the popular delivery vehicles have spurred debate even as they help reduce carbon emissions in the city. “Debates rage around pedestrian and rider safety, the risks posed by e-bike battery fires and the rights of delivery workers.”
The department will coordinate regulations and enforcement and collect data to understand future needs. “In an interview with Bloomberg CityLab, Meera Joshi, the city’s deputy mayor for operations, said the newly created entity will be a way for the city to amplify the industry’s positives while mitigating the negative effects — and ensuring that New Yorkers don’t lose their all-important access to 24/7 takeout.”
The city will convene a task force to draft the office’s mission statement with input from industry professionals and labor groups.
FULL STORY: New York City Set to Launch ‘Department of Sustainable Delivery’
NYC E-Scooter Program Threatened Despite High Ridership
Rental scooters in Queens and the Bronx provided close to two million trips in 2024, with many trips starting or ending near transit. Some city officials want to remove them.
NYC Launches ‘Smart Curbs’ Program
The pilot program on the Upper West Side will remove some curbside parking spots to replace them with public seating, bike racks, and delivery zones.
NYC Losing Many Outdoor Dining Areas Due to Expensive New Regulations
Restaurant owners say the city’s new outdoor dining program makes it too difficult and expensive to operate al fresco setups.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service