Washington Heights Politician Chosen To Lead NYC DOT: Report

UPPER MANHATTAN, NY — Mayor-elect Eric Adams has chosen Washington Heights and Inwood Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez to be New York City's next Department of Transportation Commissioner, reported the New York Post.

Rodriguez, who has served as Upper Manhattan's council member for the last 11 years, was also the chair of the Transportation Committee for eight years.

Rodriguez was one of Adams' earliest supporters and endorsers, frequently appearing with him at events, using social media to broadcast Adams' policies, and serving as a major force in Adams' ability to also receive endorsements from prominent Latino elected officials such as Rep. Adriano Espaillat and Assembly Member Carmen De La Rosa.

Rodriguez's office has not responded to a request for confirmation and comment from Patch.

A source told the New York Post that Rodriguez was "basically" offered the Taxi and Limousine Commissioner chair position — turned it down — and then was offered the head of the DOT.

Rodriguez has been a longtime and vocal supporter of Mayor Bill de Blasio's "Vision Zero" initiative to reduce traffic deaths, reaching the city's carbon neutrality goal by 2050, adding protected bike lanes throughout the five boroughs, and the city's speed camera program.

When Rodriguez first moved to New York City from the Dominican Republic, he worked as a taxi driver while earning his degree in political science at City College.