Philip Plotch is the author of the book, Mobilizing the Metropolis,that will bepublished by University of Michigan Press in 2022. The title of the book refers to both the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s mission to improve mobility by land, air, and sea, and its entrepreneurial behavior in identifying economic needs, devising creative plans, and mobilizing public support. In recent years, the Port Authority has raised the deck of the Bayonne Bridge, rebuilt LaGuardia Airport, invested billions of dollars to improve the PATH train, and struggled to replace the Midtown Manhattan Bus Terminal. Dr. Plotch’s book focuses on selected Port Authority successes and failures to reveal durable lessons on collaboration, leadership, and the challenges of overcoming complex political challenges. His insights are applicable to small and large transportation agencies across the world, especially those trying to take on big projects, overcome inertia, and make fundamental changes in their operations.
