2026 NYNJ Infrastructure Forum Preliminary Agenda

New Jersey Transportation Leader

Speaker

Interviewer

Welcome Address

Speaker

Why Regional Infrastructure Matters

If there is anyone who has the BIG picture of infrastructure development—past, present and future—in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, it is Tom Wright, CEO of the Regional Plan Association. Through research, consulting and advocacy, the nonprofit has helped cities and public agencies develop and improve regional infrastructure to boost tri-state health, resilience and quality of life for the past 100 years. Recent initiatives include advocating for restored funding to Hudson River tunnels, fighting for renewable energy resources and documenting the connection between growth and transit investment, not new roads. A key goal is to transform housing quality, quantity and affordability in the region. Wright will explain how a focus on infrastructure planning for an interconnected region can make a difference for its people, economics and sustainable future.

Speaker

Affordable Housing Infrastructure

On a recent Regional Plan Association webinar, Leila Bozorg, New York City Deputy Mayor for housing and planning, talked about using an “all of the above” approach to speed affordable housing delivery, including “new policy tools, supercharging public-sector housing delivery and lowering the cost of insurance.” She also noted the need for “statewide and regional action to truly address the housing crisis.” After his regional planning overview, Tom Wright, RPA CEO, will bring up a panel of experts in the field to discuss more of the tools used in this region and beyond. Agencies are encouraging housing development near mass transit and in places that would densify downtowns. Others are ensuring that residents of low- and moderate-incomes are part of additions meant to create more walkable, vibrant communities.

Moderator

Panelists

Solutions to Improve the Permitting Process

Moderator

Panelist

New York Nuclear Megaexpansion

Panelist

USACE Drive for Resiliency

Panelist

New Jersey Transportation Leader

Speaker

Interviewer

Best Practices in Airport Construction

Speakers

Here is how the conversation tables work

Grab your lunch and choose your seat!

Each agency and industry expert will be at a seated at one of the roundtables in the expo hall where they will facilitate a conversation on the topic they have chosen. The hosts will engage with the attendees in a conversation—giving them information but also asking about their experiences and answering questions.

Seating will be on first-come, first-seated basis per table. There will be unstructured seating for those who prefer to chat with friends and colleagues.

Managing Projects in an Uncertain Market Environment

Mark Steffen, E-J Electric

Determining project pursuit priorities, managing operational assets and working around price escalation require new strategies for firms working on infrastructure projects in this region’s busy and changing markets. Mark Steffen, vice president and general manager for large specialty projects at E-J Electric, will lead a discussion of the impacts these factors have had on jobs and companies—and the paths to successful outcomes.

The Rise of Dispute Review Boards at Public Agencies

Chris Kane, P3 Collaborative LLC

Historically, many public infrastructure projects have been plagued by delays, cost overruns, defaults and drawn-out claims resolution processes. There is no “silver bullet” to fix all these problems. However, a multi-layered approach from beginning to end of the project, focused on avoidance and early resolution can produce very positive outcomes. When implemented correctly Dispute Review Boards can be a key ingredient to this approach and mitigate many of these problems. DRBs combined with partnering, stepped negotiations and mediation are a most potent formula to keep public projects from going off the rails.

Transforming the Capital Delivery Process in New York City (and why that's so badly needed)

Becky Yurek, Chief Strategy Officer, NYC Dept. of Design & Construction

NYC’s Department of Design and Construction delivers over $34 billion in public works, from the coastal resiliency program reshaping lower Manhattan and Red Hook to the libraries and recreation centers that exemplify design excellence. Yet the maze of bureaucracy that constrains public agencies can lead the work to take too long and cost too much. As projects become increasingly complex and urgent, DDC has led transformative change to the capital delivery process to build better, faster, cheaper. This discussion will illustrate tangible tools and strategies to transform public works delivery, highlighted in DDC’s 2025 Strategic Blueprint, and the importance of partnering across sectors to champion reform.

Elevating Safety, Security, and Operations: How MTA Bridges and Tunnels is Leading with Drone Technology

Cathy Sheridan, President, MTA Bridges and Tunnels

In 2024, MTA Bridges and Tunnels launched a comprehensive drone program that is transforming the way the nation’s largest bridge and tunnel authority safeguards, operates, and maintains its critical infrastructure. Learn how the agency is leveraging drones for both proactive security—through advanced drone detection systems that monitor and respond to unauthorized activity—and operational excellence, with missions supporting emergency response, infrastructure inspections, special events, 3D mapping, and project progress monitoring. See how real-time data, geo-fencing, and rapid deployment protocols enhance situational awareness, improve safety for employees and the public, and strengthen resilience across the agency’s facilities.

Preparing to Deliver the Interborough Express (IBX) Light Rail Project

Jim Beers, Jacobs

The Interborough Express is a transformative rapid transit project that will connect currently underserved areas of Brooklyn and Queens. It will substantially cut down on travel times between the two boroughs, reduce congestion, and expand economic opportunities for the people who live and work in the surrounding neighborhoods. The Jacobs-HDR Joint Venture was selected by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to provide design and engineering consultant services for this major investment in New York City’s transit future. This discussion will highlight the efforts in navigating the procurement process and initiating the mobilization activities for a mega-project.

Delivering Infrastructure at Scale: Lessons from Mega-Projects

Patrick Askew, McKissack & McKissack

Mega-projects in the New York region—from airports to transit hubs—require firms to manage complex stakeholder relationships, tight schedules, and evolving community priorities. Patrick Askew, Executive Vice President of McKissack & McKissack will lead a dialogue about lessons learned from decades of leading large-scale projects. Attendees will explore strategies for coordination, managing risk, and balancing innovation with budget realities. This conversation will highlight practical approaches to keeping mega-projects on track while maximizing public benefit.