Full Breakdown
Mayor Mamdani Nominates Midori Valdivia as Chair of NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission
1/14/2026, 7:59:32 AM
Nomination Announcement and Background
On January 13, 2026, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the nomination of Midori Valdivia as the new Chair and Commissioner of the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). This agency regulates over 200,000 drivers, including those operating yellow cabs and rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft. Valdivia, who previously served as deputy commissioner of the TLC and has extensive experience in transportation policy, is expected to bring a worker-centered approach to the role.
Valdivia's Professional Background
Midori Valdivia has held various significant positions in transit agencies, including serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Coro New York Leadership Center and as a board member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Her past roles also include senior advisor to the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and chief of staff at the MTA. Valdivia founded her own consultancy, Midori Valdivia Consulting LLC, focusing on transportation and urban planning.
Vision and Goals
During the announcement, Mayor Mamdani emphasized Valdivia's vision for a more equitable transportation system. He stated, "It is a vision of a New York City where those who drive our people are not passengers in their own life, but rather one where they are empowered to live with the dignity and the purpose that they deserve." Valdivia echoed this sentiment, committing to an agenda that prioritizes the needs of drivers, passengers, and small business owners.
Support from the Taxi Workers Alliance
The New York Taxi Workers Alliance publicly supported Valdivia's nomination. Bhairavi Desai, the union's executive director, highlighted Mamdani's commitment to economic justice for taxi drivers, stating, "Today, he delivers on his commitment to uplifting the 180,000 New Yorkers who earn their living as TLC-licensed drivers." This endorsement reflects Valdivia's history of advocating for worker rights, including her involvement in initiatives that address wage theft and improve working conditions for drivers.
Challenges Ahead
Valdivia's nomination is subject to approval by the City Council. If confirmed, she will succeed David Do, who was appointed by former Mayor Eric Adams and oversaw the introduction of new worker protections and minimum wage increases for rideshare drivers. The TLC has faced ongoing challenges, including the declining value of taxi medallions and the need for effective regulation of the growing rideshare industry.
Official Statements
Mayor Mamdani stated, "From City Hall, we will deliver meaningful change in the lives of the working people too often forgotten by our politics." Valdivia remarked, "Transportation is freedom... it's critical. It's essential, and that's why I've been so committed to improving transportation in New York City for my entire professional career."
Conclusion
Midori Valdivia's nomination as Chair of the TLC marks a significant step in New York City's efforts to address the complexities of urban transportation. With a strong background in transit policy and a commitment to worker advocacy, Valdivia is poised to lead the TLC through a period of transformation in the city's transportation landscape.
