Mamdani appoints Midori Valdivia as the new head of the Taxi and Limousine Commission.
Mayor Mamdani is anticipated to appoint Midori Valdivia as the new commissioner of the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), according to sources familiar with the situation. The announcement is expected to take place on Tuesday evening at LaGuardia Airport, a significant terminal for taxi and rideshare drivers in New York City.
Midori Valdivia, who has extensive experience in public transportation, is currently a board member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Previously, she served as the TLC’s deputy commissioner overseeing finance and administration from 2015 to 2017. This appointment aligns with Mayor Mamdani’s focus on streamlining transportation and transit services in the city.
Mamdani’s choice comes after Valdivia was considered for various high-profile positions within his administration, including deputy mayor for operations and commissioner of the Department of Transportation. Ultimately, Julia Kerson, a former infrastructure adviser to Governor Kathy Hochul, was selected for the deputy mayor role, and transit expert Mike Flynn was appointed as DOT commissioner.
Valdivia’s appointment as TLC commissioner adds to a formidable team that emphasizes expertise in public transit. Alongside Kerson and Flynn, her background in the transportation sector will be an invaluable asset as the mayor endeavors to implement reforms aimed at making public buses swift and accessible for all residents.
However, Mamdani’s history of advocating for taxi workers suggests that Valdivia’s leadership at the TLC will be closely scrutinized, especially given the ongoing challenges faced by the taxi industry. Mamdani has built a reputation as a staunch supporter of taxi drivers, highlighted by his involvement in protests advocating for debt relief during the taxi medallion crisis. This backdrop may influence the direction and policies Valdivia pursues as she navigates the complexities of regulating the city’s various ride-hailing services.
Valdivia’s career has spanned multiple roles in transit management. She began her journey at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as a fellow in 2008, eventually becoming a senior adviser to the agency’s executive director. After her tenure at TLC, she served as chief of staff to two MTA chairpersons before establishing her own transportation and urban planning consultancy in 2020. Her diverse experience positions her to effectively address the challenges currently facing New York City’s taxi and limousine sector.
In conclusion, Midori Valdivia’s appointment marks a significant step in Mayor Mamdani’s administration, potentially paving the way for impactful changes in the city’s transportation landscape while fostering supportive policies for taxi and rideshare drivers.
