John Surico

The fight over space is the important dynamic at play in cities and beyond right now—and Winnie and I are writing a whole book about it ☀️ So excited to talk about how less is more, and dig deep into the solutions out there to address the greatest urban challenge of our time.

For years, municipalities and advocates have asked: should oil companies pay for the damages wrought by the climate crisis? And now, for the first time, the Supreme Court will weigh in. I dug into the immense stakes of the case for @statecourtreport.org: statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...

A case SCOTUS hears on Monday could have major implications for the ability of states and localities to address climate-related harms in their communities. @johnsurico.bsky.social explains.

Passing the torch of the Just Fix It column at @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social as I start a new role, but thrilled that the last column I worked on was a deep dive into the wonky world of childcare, and what it'll take to make it better for all families. Out today: www.vitalcitynyc.org/cost-effecti...

We spoke to urbanist journalist (and now QueensWay executive director) @johnsurico.bsky.social about his vision for the project, and how it differs from Manhattan’s High Line and the comparisons around the country he’s looking at to draw on for the future of the park. buff.ly/Hpys4Fw

Have lots of thoughts and ideas for the QueensWay, and glad to share some of them with none other than @davecolon.bsky.social for @nyc.streetsblog.org.

Some footage of what is going on with NYC_DOT extending 31st Ave 2-way protected bike lane towards Jax Heights. They've broken ground on the new traffic circle config. Don't worry, we will follow up with a big @Streetfilms once all complete! Enjoy! @johnsurico.bsky.social @misernyc.bsky.social

Queens is The World's Borough, so it deserves world-class public space. That's why I'm thrilled to announce my new role as the first-ever executive director of Friends of the QueensWay, an effort to transform an abandoned rail into a linear park and greenway. Construction starts this fall. 😎

Last day of the month = Streetbeat. This month, we cover access to natural areas in New York City, government getting better at service delivery, the crown jewel of Queens, and lots more. Appreciate all who continue to allow this missive in their mailbox :) streetbeat.substack.com/p/streetbeat...

The @nycdot.bsky.social conversion of 31st Ave east of Steinway into #bikenyc bliss has begun!! Paved. New 1 way signs & “DO NOT ENTER except bikes” signs (my kid noticed before I did!) QUEENS IS BEST BIKING BORO! @johnsurico.bsky.social @openplans.org @nyc.streetsblog.org @misernyc.bsky.social

COGE should've just been the beginning. In @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social, our latest Just Fix It column covers another round of internal operating tweaks that City Hall could make to deliver on a life better for all. www.vitalcitynyc.org/nyc-coge-cha...

Wrapped up a 3-year stint as @nycfuture.bsky.social's Senior Fellow for Climate + Opportunity. Beyond proud of the work achieved with the team, and excited to share my last big parks project—a policy blueprint to greatly expand access to NYC's invaluable wild spaces. nycfuture.org/research/har...

Monthly Streetbeat drop includes: transit lessons from the World Cup; clashes over climate policy; a roundabout-less vision for Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza; jobs (!!!); a picture of my cat; and a lot more. Come on down! streetbeat.substack.com/p/streetbeat...

Grand Army Plaza is like every planning challenge in one, and its upcoming transformation is a long time coming. But making a space that people actually enjoy will require a tricky balancing act. Can the city pull it off? Latest in @bloomberg.com: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...

On the next chapter of Vision Zero, getting creative to cut building emissions, public space for public art, and a whole lot more. This month's Streetbeat is out. streetbeat.substack.com/p/streetbeat...

Forget the full overhaul; sometimes the energy and dollars a building can save to meet Local Law 97 goals are hidden in plain sight. For @skylightnyc.bsky.social, I covered a building that found them in the ventilation. www.skylight.nyc/articles/res...

G to the Sea! Great ideas from @johnsurico.bsky.social on how @mta.info should take advantage of this summer's disruptive G train work to give New Yorkers who live along the city's only direct Brooklyn-Queens line a new destination.

NEPA—the environmental law that ironically almost doomed congestion pricing; a target of 'abundance' liberals + small-c conservatives alike. But last year, in a little-known SCOTUS case, NEPA was blunted. I explored what comes next in @bloomberg.com: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...

Back in @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social today for the latest Just Fix It column all about PERMITTING, with *eight* quick policy fixes that City Hall can make to speed up how NYC builds 🔧🛠️ www.vitalcitynyc.org/nyc-housing-...

Just Fix It: How did Mamdani do on the small city fixes that everyday New Yorkers actually see and feel? Here's our scorecard prepared by @johnsurico.bsky.social ⬇️ www.vitalcitynyc.org/mamdani-firs...

With a new City Hall, it's time for NYC to tap the immense potential of public space. Thankfully, it doesn't have to look far for inspo. In @citylimitsnews.bsky.social today w/WXY's Rob Daurio, highlighting some of our fave projects across the 5 boroughs right now. citylimits.org/opinion-mayo...

Monday's Most Read # 2 - What Would a City Designed for Blind Commuters Look Like? link.theoverheadwire.com/83xvh @johnsurico.bsky.social

A city is a minefield navigating it while blind, and nowhere is that more evident than transit. Yet making a city more accessible to its visually impaired residents makes it better for everyone, too. Here's what they can do—in @bloomberg.com today: www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...

Public rec is one of the most effective policies to boost public health, connect communities, and close access gaps. But NYC has fallen behind on tapping its potential. @nycfuture.bsky.social's latest is a blueprint to double down on what we have and look beyond it. nycfuture.org/research/put...

Back on the blizzard beat in @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social this week, talking about what operational lessons this harsh and historic winter can teach @mayor.nyc.gov that will prove incredibly useful down the road. www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/mam...

New York’s brutal winter storms gave Mayor @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social an early test in office. How do you think he performed? @johnsurico.bsky.social has thoughts. Drop yours in the comments ⬇️ www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/mam...

Something we're trying to do more of in @statecourtreport.org is publish pieces that tell the stories behind the development of state con law. This piece by @johnsurico.bsky.social is a fascinating account of the next generation of environmental rights cases. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...

Great op-ed from @johnsurico.bsky.social. Let’s continue investing in our public transit system.

NEW: As the federal government retreats from combating climate change, several cases on state dockets across the US are pitting citizens against polluters and the states where they reside. @johnsurico.bsky.social discusses the new frontline in the legal fight for environmental rights.

There’s no better moment than right now to bring the G back to Forest Hills on weekends. Here’s why in @nyc.streetsblog.org: nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/01/27/m...

The G train has 50,000 more daily riders than it did in 2010—when the MTA cut service between Long Island City and Forest Hills. @emilyassembly.bsky.social has led on this for years. I’m with her: bring it back. Read @johnsurico.bsky.social's s op-ed at @nyc.streetsblog.org.

Over at @skylightnyc.bsky.social, we start the year with a fascinating package of stories proving that energy-efficiency can adapt to NYC buildings' storied past. Deep, nuanced reporting from @johnsurico.bsky.social www.skylight.nyc/articles/edi...

Excited to be in @crainsnewyork.bsky.social today w/former DEP hed Carter Strickland, where we argue climate—thriving (free!) parks, safe streets (for cheaper transit!) & flooding resiliency (to avoid disruption!)—is key to @mayor.nyc.gov's affordability agenda. www.crainsnewyork.com/op-ed/op-ed-...

Next week, @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social will inherit a parks system burdened by budget cuts yet more popular than ever. Joined @katiehonan.bsky.social and Harry Siegal on @thecity.nyc's FAQNYC along w/NBK Parks and FMCP to chat $ and a new vision for parks. www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/22/p...

A dream gig!

It's been a month in New York City, to say the least. Tried to cover as much of it as I could in the latest Streetbeat, with thoughts on the mayoral transition, *flooding*, storefront activations, and more! streetbeat.substack.com/p/streetbeat...

Helluva day to give a talk about New York City later tonight. Hope to see some folks there :)

Great piece via @johnsurico.bsky.social on @streetfilms.bsky.social's Clarence Eckerson Jr., the OG and hardest-working man in livable-streets show business. hellgatenyc.com/livable-stre...

Love this well-deserved tribute to @streetfilms.bsky.social by @johnsurico.bsky.social @hellgateny.bsky.social! hellgatenyc.com/livable-stre...

Hey all! I hope you enjoy this @hellgatenyc.com article on me written by @johnsurico.bsky.social and my 20 years with Streetfilms (and even longer than that.) I got a little emotional from reading all the kind words. @openplans.org @nyc.streetsblog.org hellgatenyc.com/livable-stre...

E-bikes retail for $2,000 on average, a price point that deters some from investing in one. Companies like Upway are trying to establish a market for cheaper, used e-bikes and expand their accessibility to more would be riders. via @johnsurico.bsky.social

"If there was a way to make 31st Street even more dangerous than what it was, it’s what you have now: three lanes of parking on some stretches and a lack of clarity for drivers and cyclists" @nyc.streetsblog.org @johnsurico.bsky.social

Great feature by @johnsurico.bsky.social of @nycfuture.bsky.social and Nick Underwood in @nytimes.com that explores NYC's flood resiliency. Our #stormwater report, outlines how natural areas capture 17% of runoff in the city! Learn more: bit.ly/3LkkvHT Revisit the stormwater report: bit.ly/4qz3MB4

Listen, there are loads of reasons to be pessimistic about NYC and flooding. Our aim with this piece, which we've been working on for months, was to lay out the possible solutions as they are, without being naive. I hope we've done that. Please read and share this gift link and lmk what you think.

Honored to be a part of it 💪 If you're an adjunct instructor at NYU, DM me to join the 230+ of us and counting! nyunews.com/news/2025/09...

Mayor Adams is set to announce the expansion of containerized garbage collection to Brooklyn Community Board 2, which includes areas like Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, and Boerum Hill