The prestigious award will be presented to Senator Schumer during RPA’s Centennial Assembly on May 6 in recognition of his lifelong dedication to improving New York and the tri-state region
NEW YORK, NY – Today, Regional Plan Association announced that it will present the annual John Zuccotti Award to Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at its Centennial Assembly on May 6. The prestigious award, RPA’s highest acknowledgement for leadership in the tri-state region, is named after John E. Zuccotti, a long-serving member of the RPA Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Presented each year at RPA’s annual Assembly, the John Zuccotti Award recognizes a leader who has made extraordinary contributions to the built environment in the tri-state metropolitan region.
This year, Senator Schumer has earned the honor for his tireless efforts in fighting for billions of dollars in infrastructure funds that will transform the entire region, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has the potential to transform our built environment by providing more than $46 billion for transit, roads, bridges, airports, and water and broadband infrastructure in the region alone. This is in addition to Senator Schumer’s historic efforts in advocating for the region in the wake of tragedies like September 11 and Superstorm Sandy as well as his outspokenness in combating climate change.
The inaugural John Zuccotti Award in 2017 was presented to President Joe Biden.
“Congratulations to my colleague and friend Senator Chuck Schumer on receiving RPA’s 2022 Zuccotti Award,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “For decades, I’ve seen first-hand how Senator Schumer fights tenaciously for all 62 counties in New York State. I’m proud to be working side-by-side with him on major projects like finishing the Gateway project and bringing the nation’s first semiconductor hub to Albany. As we work to kick-start New York’s recovery, I know I speak for all New Yorkers when I say we’re grateful to have Chuck Schumer in our corner.”
“It has been an honor to work alongside Senator Schumer to make New York a safer and fairer place for everyone,” said Eric Adams, Mayor of the City of New York. “We are incredibly fortunate to have a fellow Brooklynite leading the United States Senate and representing our values with the rest of the country. Senator Schumer has dedicated his entire life to public service and has made an unparalleled impact on our city and the nation. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”
Previous recipients have included:
Anthony Coscia, Chairman of Amtrak, in 2018
Alicia Glen, Former Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development, New York City and Founder, women.nyc, in 2019
The Honorable Henry Cisneros, former US HUD Secretary and Chairman, Co-Chief Investment Officer, and Co-Founder of American Triple I Partners, in 2020
Rick Cotton, Executive Director of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in 2021
“We are honored and delighted to celebrate Senator Schumer this year in particular, when he has delivered a historic infrastructure investment program for New York and the nation,” said Tom Wright, President and CEO of Regional Plan Association. “The bipartisan infrastructure bill demonstrated Senator Schumer’s extraordinary leadership and his commitment to our communities and the future. I know John Zuccotti would have been pleased to see him receive this award.”
“Senator Chuck Schumer has devoted more than four decades to public service in Washington. Senator Schumer has been a skilled, tenacious and effective voice for the region as well as a National leader committed to seeking progress on the extraordinary challenges that we face domestically and internationally,” said Rick Cotton Executive Director, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; 2021 Zuccotti Award Recipient. “His commitment to public service mirrors that of John Zuccotti. The RPA’s selection of Senator Schumer for the 2022 Zuccotti award is pitch perfect and could not be more well deserved.”
“In the aftermath of some of our darkest moments, from the horrific attacks of September 11th, the crippling damage left in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, to an unprecedented global pandemic, Senator Charles Schumer has always been there, and, more importantly, he has delivered, for New York in our time of need, said Scott Rechler, Chairman & CEO, RXR Realty; Chairman, RPA. “And whether it’s expanding our subway, modernizing our airports, or turning a vision for a new rail tunnel underneath the Hudson River into a reality, there is simply no bigger champion for New York’s infrastructure than Senator Schumer. I’m grateful for his leadership, dedication, and his relentless and tireless advocacy for our region truly embodies the spirit of the John Zuccotti award.”
“This is not the only award named for John Zuccotti that Senator Schumer has received. Chuck shared John’s commitment to the infrastructure needed to undergird the long term health of our region,” Howard Milstein, Chairman, President & CEO, New York Private Bank & Trust. “Like John, Chuck knows how government can be guided for the public good. From his advocacy for the Gateway Program, to his ‘Group of 35’ report, to his forward-looking proposals for the far West Side, Chuck Schumer has been unwavering in his support for our region.”
“I am pleased and honored to have an opportunity to express my gratitude to the RPA and to Howard Milstein for establishing the John Zuccotti Award in memory of my husband,” said Susan Zuccotti, historian and wife of the late John E. Zuccotti. “John would be immensely gratified to know that the award this year will go to Senator Chuck Schumer, a man he knew well and respected greatly. He would certainly agree with me that no one could deserve it more.”
