Jeremy Tillunger
Policy + Planning For Better Cities
New York
Summary
Public policy and city planning expert with experience across political, private sector, and government planning roles. Proven track record securing $75M+ in public funding, advancing landmark urban transportation legislation, and navigating complex regulatory environments across multiple states. Combines legislative strategy, coalition building, and planning and communications expertise to drive scalable transportation and land use innovation.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Public Policy
Via Transportation
New York, NY And Seattle, WA
08.2022 - Current
- Lead state government affairs strategy across the Northeast and Western U.S., overseeing contract consultants in legislative and regulatory campaigns for innovative transit and mobility in 10+ states.
- Secured over $75 million in new microtransit funding opportunities through successful legislative campaigns to establish or expand grant programs in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington State and California.
- Successfully negotiated regulatory carve-outs exempting microtransit from broader TNC frameworks and led the effort to defeat the nation’s first legislative attempt at statewide regulation of the microtransit industry (New Jersey).
- Work cross-functionally with our sales and grants teams to translate policy wins into increased RFP releases for new microtransit services, pairing new funding sources to existing partners for expansion, and bringing in support from state elected officials for local projects.
- Support local transit agency partners in pursuing new electric and autonomous vehicle funding and regulatory opportunities through microtransit.
- Represent Via at major national transportation forums and contribute to company thought leadership, including producing the company’s ModeShift podcast.
Legislative and Communications Director
Office of New York City Council Member Carlina Rivera
01.2018 - 09.2021
- Set and advanced Council Member’s legislative agenda, introducing 80+ bills and passing 30+ into law.
- Developed landmark policies including New York City’s permanent Open Streets law, the New York City Workers Justice Bill Package for Deliveristas, the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, and first-time short-term rental and micromobility regulations.
- Spearheaded strategy and supported negotiations for major land use and transportation approval processes, including the 14th Street Busway, the SoHo/NoHo and Union Square Tech Hub Rezonings, the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project and numerous bike and bus lanes.
- Managed hospital oversight efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic through Council Member’s chairing of Committee on Hospitals, coordinating daily interagency response and public communications.
- Oversaw all communications strategy, crisis management, press relations, and speechwriting.
Communications Director
Carlina Rivera for City Council
04.2017 - 12.2017
- Led communications strategy for successful New York City Council campaign, overseeing messaging, press relations, and policy positioning.
Account Coordinator
Fenton Communications
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Developed integrated communications campaigns for advocacy and public sector clients, including NYPIRG, Surfrider Foundation, LaGuardia Airport, and Citizens’ Committee for Children.
- Secured national media placements including The New York Times, MSNBC, and The Atlantic.
Web/Engagement Editor and Reporter
City & State
06.2015 - 01.2017
- Covered New York City and State politics; wrote and edited daily reporting and First Read newsletter.
- Led website and social media strategy, overseeing redesign and launch of longform digital cover series.
Education
Master of Science - Transport and City Planning
University College London
London, UK 05.2001 -
Bachelors of Arts - Journalism and Political Science
New York University
New York, NY05-2014
Skills
- Bloomberg Gov and other legislative monitoring tools; Media monitoring tools including Citrix, Cision, Vocus, and Raidan6
- Transport Planning Analysis methods for trip generation, distribution, and modal share; QGIS, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Sketchup, and Remix
Affiliations
- Fellow, Urban Design Forum
- NYU Emerging Leaders in Transportation Program
Timeline
Director of Public Policy
Via Transportation
08.2022 - Current
Legislative and Communications Director
Office of New York City Council Member Carlina Rivera
01.2018 - 09.2021
Communications Director
Carlina Rivera for City Council
04.2017 - 12.2017
Account Coordinator
Fenton Communications
01.2017 - 12.2017
Web/Engagement Editor and Reporter
City & State
06.2015 - 01.2017
Master of Science - Transport and City Planning
University College London
05.2001 -
Bachelors of Arts - Journalism and Political Science
New York University