From Community Advocacy to Greenway Projects: Meet Senior Manager Jordan Cosby

Joined Public Works Partners: 2021

Hometown: Monterey, California

Interests: Jordan enjoys spin classes and yoga (it’s all about balance!)

Jordan Cosby, a senior manager, serves as Engagement Lead across several projects, which includes working hand in hand with clients to develop and shape projects. As an urban planner and connector, she thrives on aligning Public Works’ tools and expertise to empower communities traditionally left out of planning processes and build inclusive, resilient cities, in partnership with government, private, and nonprofit clients. Public Works Project Coordinator, Tallulah Lintern, recently chatted with Jordan about her growth here at Public Works. Sharing insights from current projects to her care about access to sustainable, quality transportation, Jordan’s passion for her work appears in every project she’s on.

Two projects I am currently deeply involved in overseeing are two significant greenway development projects: the Harlem River Greenway initiative in the Bronx and the Queens Waterfront Greenway. These projects are extensive, spanning over a year each and encompassing three distinct phases of community engagement. In the initial phase for the Queens Waterfront Greenway project, we are planning to conduct informational sessions to educate the public about the project and gather crucial data through existing conditions analysis, often supplemented by additional insights from community feedback and our research.

As a resident of Queens myself, I bring a personal perspective to the process, which enhances our understanding of local needs and priorities. This firsthand experience allows me to actively participate in shaping the projects from a community-oriented viewpoint.

For the Harlem River Greenway project, we recently deliberated route alternatives with the community. This involved seeking public feedback on various route options to ensure that our plans are aligned with community preferences and practical considerations. We plan to implement a similar process for the Queens Waterfront Greenway, where public input will inform our decisions and strategies.

In addition to my work on the Greenway projects, I’m actively involved in Bike the Block, a series of community events organized by the New York City Department of Transportation across the city. These events are designed to engage local residents and stakeholders by creating safe spaces for residents of all ages to learn how to ride a bike, learn bike safety tips, get bike tune-ups, learn about NYC DOT project and programming, and engage in festivities akin to a block party. It’s rewarding to see the ripple effects of these efforts, fostering community unity and support for our initiatives.

I heard about Public Works during the pandemic. During that time, I was in a transition period after the nonprofit I worked for had to downsize, which led me to explore new opportunities. I had spent years in the intersection between youth advocacy, urban planning, and community development, so when I started meeting people virtually, one connection from the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development mentioned Public Works. He suggested that my interests might align with the organization and later pointed me to a job opening for a manager position. I looked into it, decided to apply, and here I am. It was a pleasant surprise to find the role by word-of-mouth from someone familiar with the organization. It was great to have that introduction, especially because I was trying to be very intentional about my next step, despite the uncertain time.

If I had to choose one or two sectors to work in, I would focus on transportation and climate resilience. I care about access to sustainable, quality transportation, which can make or break a city. I love working on bike infrastructure and Greenway projects. During the pandemic, people sought parks and micro-mobility options as a means to get around and connect with one another on an unprecedented scale. There’s momentum for making the city more micro-mobility friendly, connecting to key destinations and open spaces, and providing spaces for fun and leisure. I’m passionate about making the city enjoyable, with environmental benefits tied to sustainability and clean energy.

The environment, climate resilience, and transportation infrastructure are my key focus areas. Issues like contentious congestion pricing impact funding for crucial public transit improvements. Over three million people rely on these systems daily, and we need real investment to maintain and improve them. Our city needs multimodal transportation, green spaces, and climate resilience projects to remain safe and functional. It’s a multi-agency effort requiring coordination to make these projects a reality and ensure the city’s safety for years to come.

My favorite part of working at Public Works is the immense satisfaction from collaborating closely with clients, project partners, and community members, generating innovative ideas with our dedicated teams. One of the most enriching aspects of my role is the opportunity to interact with influential figures in New York and beyond who are driving positive change in their communities. There are so many deeply committed people who dedicate themselves to making a positive impact in their communities, and it’s my honor and privilege to listen and learn from them, and provide forums where their voices can be heard. 

My background has solidified my passion for equity in urban planning, advocating tirelessly for accessibility, especially for youth whose perspectives are often sidelined in decision-making processes. It’s imperative to establish inclusive environments where all voices, including those of marginalized groups, are heard and respected.

In our climate initiatives, our primary focus is on resilience, proactively preparing for the escalating challenges posed by severe weather events through strategic measures that empower communities such as developing resilient public infrastructure, investing in resilient community infrastructure, and educating residents about climate resilience and providing access to resources. Our approach aims to enhance the urban fabric and ensure our efforts contribute meaningfully to the community’s well-being.

Fun Facts about Jordan

1. Jordan is getting married this October!
2. Jordan is obsessed with rewatching TV classics from her youth, and is currently binging Gilmore Girls.