SUMMER STAYCATION MOBILITY EDITION
We are a community that enjoys the journey just as much as the destination! If you’re sticking around this month and looking for fun ways to enjoy the summer, then look no further than exciting trips in our region by bike, ferry, tram, bus, subway or commuter rail!
And during your summer staycation, now is a great time to engage with YPT-NYC! Our events, programming, social media, and LinkedIn forums foster community, professional development, and networking. If you’re job searching, stay engaged with us because the pandemic hiring freezes are now being lifted and new job postings continue to pop up! There have been several new job opportunities shared in YPT-NYC’s LinkedIn group, and our members support each other with networking, encouragement, and advice.
YPT-NYC AUGUST EVENTS
YPT-NYC, WE Bike NYC, and NYCDOT Bike Tour
Sunday, 8/15, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (wheels-down at 11:30 a.m.)
Register Here.
For this ride, we are joined by staff from NYC DOT and volunteers from the 34th Ave Open Streets Coalition, who will guide us through the borough and showcase several of their recent projects, including the hugely successful 34th Avenue Open Street! We’ll gain insights into the implementation of bike infrastructure from conception to fruition. We’ll begin the ~5-mile ride at Queensbridge Park (find us at the south end of the park near Vernon Blvd and the Queensbridge Park Greenway) and ride through Astoria, Woodside, and finally end in Jackson Heights. After the ride, stick around for drinks and snacks at Queens Beer Factory.
Mask policy: Fully vaccinated people are not required to wear a mask while riding, however you may be required to wear a mask if we go indoors or at crowded ride stops. Unvaccinated people must wear a mask at all times.
What to bring: Your bike, helmet, mask, sunscreen, money for food/drinks, full water bottles.
Note: This is an all-gender ride open to all bicyclists of all experience levels.
Manhattan Meatpacking District Open Streets Tour
Thursday, 8/19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m
Register Here.
We will tour the Meatpacking District Open Street guided by Evan Sweet, Operations and Economic Development Manager of the Meatpacking Business Improvement District. Learn how the Meatpacking District is making space for people walking and biking and for public art on their streets. Come with questions, curiosity, and comfy footwear. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at Gansevoort Plaza (2 Ninth Avenue). After the tour we will grab some outdoor drinks in the neighborhood with your fellow YPT-NYC members! Location TBD.
Mask policy: Fully vaccinated people are not required to wear a mask. However, masks may be required if we go indoors or in crowded areas. Unvaccinated people must wear a mask at all times.
What to bring: Mask, proof of vaccination, sunscreen, water.
Outdoor Happy Hour
Thursday, 8/26, 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m.
Anchors away! Join us in West Harlem at Baylander Steel Beach for good conversations and maybe a sea shanty or two. Baylander Steel Beach is located on the deck of Baylander IX-514, which served in the Vietnam War and is now docked at West Harlem Piers on 125th Street on the Hudson River. Set sail for good vibes.
YPT-NYC MEMBER PROFILE
Daniel Muniz, Acting Chief of Staff of the Sidewalk Program, New York City Department of Transportation
Daniel works for the New York City Department of Transportation where he has served as a Legal Consultant, Analyst, Senior Analyst, Deputy Director, and more recently as the Acting Chief of Staff for the Sidewalk Program. His current role focuses on Program Management, which includes budgeting, planning, project delivery, and, most importantly, the construction of sidewalks throughout all five boroughs of New York City. Improving New York City’s sidewalk infrastructure and making it more accessible to all pedestrians is the key driver of all his work.
1. What is your favorite YPT-NYC event and why?
YPT Happy Hour! Connecting with fellow transportation enthusiasts in a laid-back social setting allows everybody to network and share experiences. It’s the best way to get to know others and engage with people in the transportation field.
2. If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?
I am probably biased because I live in Rockland County, but being able to take a “one-seat” train ride directly into Manhattan without having to do multiple transfers would be a huge improvement. There are options available such as driving to Tarrytown or White Plains and taking Metro-North, or riding a Coach bus, but commute times aren’t the best. There is talk in Congress to change this, so I am hopeful this will come to fruition.
3. What sparked your passion to work in the transportation industry?
The transportation industry lured me in when I started my first job as a Legal consultant assigned to the NYC Department of Transportation. I was researching trip and fall claims related to the City’s infrastructure and that’s where I first started learning about the Agency and its operations. I obtained a B.S. in International Relations and Politics, so naturally, my next step was to go to Law School. However, by the time I became an Analyst for the Sidewalk Program, my interest quickly shifted to Public Administration and Urban Planning. Understanding how our cities connect and how the movement of people influences community development was what ultimately pulled me into the transportation world.
4. What are you working on that you’re most excited by?
I introduced a model to prioritize sidewalk repairs around New York City Housing developments. We were able to build out a tool in ArcGIS that automated a ranking system based on inputs that accounted for both condition and demographic scores. This allowed us to factor equity more easily into the work we did. It’s been two years since we started piloting this new tool and we are looking to expand its use for other work we do. Shout out to the team of analysts and our Information Technology team for making that project a reality!
We are also working on a complete overhaul for all our internal databases and incorporating them all into one centralized system. Being a part of the engineering of a completely new system that will handle all our operations in a more efficient way is truly rewarding.
5. What career advice would you give to other YPT’ers interested in your career path?
Be curious and ask questions! Try to find an area that you feel most connected with and surround yourself with others that are already in the field. Networking events and socials may not be your cup of tea, but once you get out there and start making connections, it all becomes a lot easier.
6. What famous celebrity do you think should be given the opportunity to voice an NYCT Subway Announcement?
Samuel L. Jackson would be perfect.
CHECK YOUR MEMBERSHIP STATUS & RENEW TODAY!
Check your membership status here, or join here. Please consider registering with your personal email rather than your work or student email. Being an active member is $20 for the year and allows us to provide our membership with impactful programming!
YPT-NYC LINKEDIN
Use the YPT LinkedIn group if you are #OpenToWork!
Our LinkedIn group is a great way for members to share information about yourself as a job seeker, connect with others, or share job opportunities!
Young Professionals in Transportation – New York City (YPT-NYC) is an Young Professionals in Transportation – New York City (YPT-NYC) is the local chapter of Young Professionals in Transportation International, a nonprofit coalition of organizations, which helps professional development, fellowship, and networking for young professionals in the transportation field. YPT-NYC’s members keep the Greater New York City region moving while providing a space for growing skills, sharing knowledge, and expanding professional networks
YPT-NYC 