The future of urban design in New York City is at a crossroads, and the stakes couldn't be higher. The Urban Design Division (UDD) of the NYC Department of City Planning is facing a significant restructuring, leaving many wondering about its impact on the city's development. But first, let's rewind to its inception.
The UDD has a rich history, dating back to its initial creation in 1967 by Mayor John Lindsay. However, it was short-lived, as it was dismantled in 1980. Fast forward to 2007, and the division was re-established during Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration, led by Amanda Burden. Since then, the UDD has been instrumental in shaping the city's landscape, guiding major rezoning projects and pioneering initiatives like the Street Design Manual and the acclaimed Active Design Guidelines.
But here's where the story takes a controversial turn. On December 17, 2025, a verbal conversation between DCP executive director Edith Hsu-Chen and UDD staff revealed a plan to disperse employees to different departments. This was followed by a formal email announcement from DCP commissioner Dan Garodnick on December 18. The timing of this decision, just days before the Mamdani administration took office, has raised eyebrows and sparked questions.
The reorganization plan has caused a stir among urban planning professionals. Erick Gregory, the current DCP Chief Urban Designer and Director of Urban Design, will retain his title, but the UDD itself will cease to exist. Sagi Golan, the Deputy Director, will take on a new role as Senior Urban Design Specialist. Approximately 10 remaining UDD employees will be reassigned to various divisions, according to Garodnick's email.
The decision-making process has been a point of contention. Sources indicate that UDD staff were not consulted, and the news came as a surprise just before Mayor Zohran Mamdani's inauguration. New York City planners, architects, and urban designers have expressed bewilderment and frustration, particularly regarding the lack of transparency. Jeffrey Shumaker, a former UDD member, shared his dismay, questioning the timing and reasoning behind the move.
DCP executive director Edith Hsu-Chen defended the reorganization as a logical progression, arguing that urban design has become an integral part of the DCP's work. She believes that embedding urban designers in borough offices will enhance their contributions to neighborhood plans and private applications. Chen asserts that this restructuring will elevate urban design across the agency, ensuring its values are reflected in all divisions.
However, not everyone is convinced. Amanda Burden, formerly of the UDD and now at Bloomberg Associates, strongly opposes the decision. She emphasizes the division's crucial role in both large and small projects, as well as its ability to facilitate community engagement. Burden argues that individual designers in borough offices cannot replicate the collaborative advantages of a centralized UDD.
Kate Orff, founder of SCAPE and director of Columbia GSAPP's Urban Design Program, shares similar concerns. She believes the last-minute elimination and restructuring of the UDD is a setback for the city's urban design. Orff highlights the importance of a dedicated team in coordinating the efforts of various city agencies. She questions how this reorganization aligns with the vision for New York's future, emphasizing the global significance of urban design in city renewal.
Julio Salcedo-Fernandez, from the Spitzer School of Architecture, agrees, pointing out the benefits of operating at both city and borough levels. He suggests that focusing solely on the borough scale may hinder the city's ability to address spatial and social challenges. Claire Weisz, founder of WXY, underscores the tangible benefits of integrating urban design into city planning, citing successful projects like the High Line and East Midtown Rezoning.
As the city awaits the appointment of a new DCP Commissioner and Executive Director, the fate of the UDD hangs in the balance. Will the reorganization truly enhance urban design in New York City, or are there alternative interpretations? The debate continues, and the public is invited to weigh in on this pivotal moment in the city's development.
