For 100 years, Regional Plan Association (RPA) has promoted sustainability, equity, prosperity and quality of life for the tri-state metropolitan region by advising cities, communities and public agencies through research-based strategies on transportation, land use, housing, governance and the environment.

Each fall, RPA hosts the Celebrate the Tri-State benefit, bringing together civic, business and elected leaders to recognize three outstanding contributors to the region’s public realm and support RPA’s work.

Event Journal

Co-Chairs

Host Committee

Making It Happen

Janno Lieber, Chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will receive the Making It Happen award, given to a dynamic public servant and leader who is building a bright future for our region. Through his leadership of the nation’s largest public transit authority, and prior work rebuilding the World Trade Center, he is driving the transformative change that will maintain the region’s position as a global economic leader and improve the quality of life of its residents for generations to come.

Above and Beyond

Jun Choi, CEO, Menlo Realty Ventures will receive the Above and Beyond award, given to an RPA Board Member whose efforts on behalf of the organization and impact on the region have been exemplary, for his quarter-century of public service to New Jersey and its civic partners, his 6 years of commitment to RPA’s Board of Directors, his leadership of the RPA New Jersey Committee, and for his unwavering dedication to building a stronger, more equitable, and more resilient metropolitan region.

Margaret Crotty is the Chair of Northwell Health and CEO of JSI, a global non-profit public health organization that manages large-scale public health, education, supply chain, and health system strengthening projects in 40 countries. Crotty consults on health equity issues for federal, state and local governments in the US.

Project of the Year

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will be celebrated with the Project of the Year award, given to a project that re-imagines our future. The IIJA’s unprecedented investment will have a transformative impact on the region’s prosperity, health, sustainability and equity for generations to come. RPA is a leading advocate for many of the key projects that will be developed with IIJA funds, including the Gateway tunnel under the Hudson River, a renovated and expanded Pennsylvania Station, and improved transit for the entire Northeast Corridor; accelerating the next generation of renewable energy sources such as offshore wind; building resiliency and protecting vulnerable communities from the threat of climate change; and connecting communities digitally.

As the Chief Operating Operator, Trottenberg supports USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg on providing leadership and strategic vision for USDOT. Previously, Trottenberg served as New York City’s Transportation Commissioner, where she was responsible for the safe, efficient, and equitable operations of the city’s transportation network; extensive bicycle, pedestrian, and public plaza infrastructure; and key initiatives in mobility, safety, and smart transportation technologies.

Benefit Sponsors