PRESS RELEASE
NOVEMBER 22, 2024
New York, NY – The City Club of New York is proud to announce that its legal action has successfully compelled Governor Hochul to un-pause congestion pricing, ensuring that all steps are taken to launch this critical program on January 5, 2025. Thanks to the City Club’s persistent advocacy and the exceptional work of our legal team, the Governor has committed to taking all necessary steps to meet this implementation deadline. Today, the VPPP, the Value Pricing Pilot Program was signed by the US-DOT, giving the program the green light from the federal government, signaling that the program is on track to be launched by January 5, 2025.
“This is a victory not just for congestion pricing, but for the principles of accountability and good governance,” said Layla Law-Gisiko, City Club President. “Our city deserves policies that work for everyone, implemented transparently and without unwarranted interference.”
The legal agreement ensures that all required steps will continue to be taken to activate congestion pricing on time, with oversight provisions to monitor progress and enforce compliance. Should any obligations be unmet, the agreement includes remediation measures to safeguard the program’s success. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our outstanding legal team at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP, especially Richard Emery and Andrew Celli, whose tenacity and dedication to the greater good made this outcome possible. Their tireless efforts were instrumental in securing enforceable guarantees that prevent further delays and hold leadership accountable to the law. We applaud the Governor, the MTA and their teams for diligently working on securing all necessary administrative steps in a diligent fashion.
Congestion pricing, a landmark initiative to reduce traffic congestion and fund public transit, is vital for improving air quality, reducing gridlock, and generating revenue for the MTA. The City Club’s efforts ensure the program will move forward, benefiting all New Yorkers while upholding the law.
The City Club remains steadfast in its commitment to the rule of law and good governance, championing policies that prioritize equity, transparency, and a livable city for all.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Layla Law-Gisiko
City Club President
646-420-6044
About the City Club of New York:
Founded in 1892, the City Club of New York is a civic organization dedicated to promoting sound public policy, good governance, and the integrity of New York City’s urban landscape. Through litigation, advocacy, and public discourse, the City Club ensures that the city remains a vibrant and equitable place for all its residents.