Mobilizing the Metropolis: How the Port Authority Built New York

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has evolved from improving rail freight to building motor vehicle crossings, airports, office towers, and industrial parks. It has faced criticism and travails but has overcome hurdles and built the world's longest suspension bridge. Its history offers lessons to other cities and regions on collaboration, leadership, and overcoming complex political challenges.

Format: Hardback
Length: 386 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2023
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has undergone a remarkable transformation that would be unrecognizable to its founders. Its mission has evolved from focusing on improving rail freight to constructing motor vehicle crossings, airports, office towers, and industrial parks, as well as taking over a struggling commuter rail line. Initially, the agency was met with admiration for its ambitious plans and innovative projects. However, as it began to execute its plans, including acquiring airfields and marine terminals, constructing large bridges and tunnels, and assuming control of a failing commuter rail line, the Port Authority became the target of criticism. Some viewed it as a "super-government" that needed to be reined in, while others argued for its dismantling, with its pieces being distributed to local governments for their own use.

Despite these challenges and criticisms, the Port Authority has persevered for over half a century, overcoming hurdles that had stymied other public and private efforts. It has built the world's longest suspension bridge, played a pivotal role in creating an organization to reduce traffic delays in the New York-New Jersey region, and has achieved numerous other successes.

To achieve these accomplishments, the Port Authority has employed a variety of strategies. It has worked closely with private developers to finance and execute its projects, leveraging its expertise and reputation to attract investment. It has also been proactive in identifying new opportunities and seizing them when they arise, such as the development of the World Trade Center after the September 11th attacks.

In addition, the Port Authority has been committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in its operations. It has established independent oversight committees to review its decisions and ensure that they are in the public interest. It has also implemented a code of ethics and compliance program to ensure that its employees and contractors act with integrity and in the best interests of the agency.

The Port Authority's history offers valuable lessons to other cities and regions in the United States and beyond. It demonstrates the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, the need to balance democratic accountability and efficiency, and the tension between regional and local needs. It also highlights the significance of innovative planning and execution, as well as the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in government operations.

As the Port Authority continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its region and the world, it will be important for it to continue to prioritize its mission of improving transportation, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents and commuters. By leveraging its expertise, collaborating with stakeholders, and maintaining a commitment to transparency and accountability, the Port Authority can continue to be a model for other public agencies and a force for positive change in the United States and beyond.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472076130