NYC DOT - Josh Benson - Deputy Commissioner for Traffic Operations

Joshua Benson is the Deputy Commissioner for Traffic Operations for the New York City Department of Transportation, overseeing the operation and maintenance of over 13,000 traffic signals, 300,000 street lights, 85,000 metered on-street parking spaces 39 municipal parking lots and garages and 600 red light, speed and bus lane enforcement cameras. Joshua also leads the development of new traffic safety programs and technologies including accessible pedestrian signals, a Connected Vehicle pilot project and new street lighting initiatives.

Prior to serving in this role, Joshua was the Bureau Chief for Transportation, Traffic & Parking for the City of Stamford, Connecticut, where he was the head of the municipal transportation department, responsible for all aspects of transportation planning, operations & maintenance. Joshua oversaw a reorganization of the department and launched a citywide pay by smartphone program allowing customers to pay for all on- and off-street City by parking with a smartphone app.

Before leading the Transportation Bureau in Stamford Joshua held several positions with NYCDOT over 13 years with the agency, most recently as the Assistant Commissioner for Street Improvement Projects. In this role, Mr. Benson oversaw the agency’s large portfolio of in-house projects. Mr. Benson also led the Public Spaces, Pedestrian Projects, Bicycle and Greenway teams, which developed pedestrian and cycling specific roadway improvements.

Joshua graduated from New York University and he holds a Master of Science in Urban Planning from Columbia University. Joshua is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.