Community-Powered Systems Change

Organizes public transit riders in New York to advocate for reliable, affordable, and high-quality transit, with a focus on civic engagement among historically marginalized communities.

Organizes and supports a movement focused on advancing environmental sustainability and justice, building collective capacity for systemic change.

Advocates on behalf of landscape architecture professionals and students in the New York Metropolitan-Long Island region, including engagement with state-level elected officials through initiatives such as NYSCLA Lobby Day, where the organization secures commitments to support prioritized legislation. The organization has participated in annual advocacy events at the New York State Capitol.

Distributes a bi-weekly newsletter and maintains an RSS newsfeed called The Dirt to share news, events, and media coverage relevant to landscape architecture with chapter members. Also provides access to Landscape Architecture Magazine as part of member benefits.

Hosts regular networking opportunities for members, including emerging professionals, through events such as the annual President’s Dinner (held yearly since at least 2022), local networking gatherings, concerts, competitions, and receptions for fellows and award recipients.

Plans and hosts a calendar of educational programs including CEU-accredited courses, symposia on urban climate challenges, plant identification walks, site tours at historic landscapes, and leadership development programs for firm leaders. These include recurring events such as Climate Action Forums, Open Studio events, and walking tours focused on ecological resilience.

Recognizes excellence in landscape architecture through an annual awards program, including organizing the Design Awards Reception each year, producing certificates and presentation materials, and reviewing award categories and submission guidelines annually. The chapter also elects honorary members and recognizes member accomplishments across career stages via a Member Spotlight series.

Identifies and supports 2–5 candidates annually for elevation to the ASLA Council of Fellows by reviewing and submitting applications. Petitions for sponsorship of student chapters at academic institutions and establishes or dissolves committees to advance the chapter’s mission.

Engages in advocacy efforts focused on environmental justice issues, promoting policies and practices that address environmental inequities.

Collaborated with city and state leaders to secure commitments for a citywide bus improvement plan, including the construction of a record number of busways, bus shelters, countdown clocks, all-door boarding, and the addition of 150 miles of new bus lanes by 2025. Tracks and reports publicly on the progress of these commitments.

Successfully advocated for and implemented the nation’s first congestion pricing program in New York City, established in 2019 and operationalized in 2025, which generates over a billion dollars annually for public transit improvements and reduces street congestion.

Secured a budget agreement expanding Fair Fares eligibility to over 1 million New Yorkers, including a targeted expansion enabling 340,000 additional low-income riders earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level to access half-price transit. This represents the largest expansion of the program since its inception.

Advocates for subways and most buses to run at least every six minutes every day to improve reliability and access. Supports this campaign with policy proposals, including a call for up to $300 million in state budget investments to fund improved service frequency.

Supports member leaders in publishing op-eds and sharing personal transit experiences to elevate rider perspectives in media and policy discussions.

Conducted participatory action research with the Pratt Center for Community Development to assess the impacts of bus service on Flatbush Avenue and published personal stories from 50 New York City riders to highlight challenges with bus reliability and access.

Hosts a Grassroots Organizing Fellow through the Johnson Justice Fellowship Program to build capacity in community organizing and advocacy for public transit equity.

Leads ongoing grassroots organizing efforts, including weekly rallies, meetings, and trainings, to mobilize riders and advance policy campaigns for equitable and reliable public transit. Engages community and labor groups in advocacy around transportation and social justice issues.

Produces and disseminates research reports, including “6 Reasons New Yorkers Need #6MinuteService,” to inform and strengthen advocacy for frequent and reliable public transit service.