The Impact Lab: An NYU Public Service Podcast

In this episode of The Impact Lab, Thom Blaylock is joined by NYU Wagner Impact Lab students Xander Singh, Jaley Bruursema, and Mira Philipson to break down the key takeaways from our recent NYC Public Bathroom Summit. Together, they tackle the fundamental question of what actually constitutes a "public" bathroom—debating everything from 24/7 access and transit system restrooms to commercial partnerships and the 10-minute cap on mobile Throne units.

Following their analysis hear the full, summit pane moderated by Dean Polly Trottenberg as they discuss real world strategies for funding, siting and maintaining equitable restroom infrastructure across the city. The panel features: 

Mikelle Adgate – Chief of Staff to the New York City Deputy Mayor of Operations

Sandy Nurse – New York City Councilmember (District 37) and author of landmark public bathroom legislation

Sarah Nielsen – Chief of Policy and Long-Range Planning at New York City Parks

Will Woods – Lived experience advocate from the Open Hearts Initiative and the Free 2 Pee Coalition

Rachel Frumin – Director of Concessions and Franchises at New York City DOT

For Customers Only: Public Bathrooms and the Making of American Inequality by Bryant Simon

A foundational look at the history of public restrooms in America, examining how commercial spaces replaced municipal infrastructure and created ongoing inequities in urban access

The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs

Jane Jacobs' essential urban planning text, referenced during our discussion on how a shrinking public sphere reshapes community life and civic interaction.

Good to Go: Expanding Public Bathroom Access in New York City (NYC Council Report)

The official NYC Council framework tied to Councilmember Sandy Nurse’s Local Law 58 legislation, mapping New York's current restroom inventory and coverage gaps.

Office of the MTA Inspector General Report on Subway Restrooms

An overview of the MTA Inspector General’s evaluation of subway restroom availability, maintenance challenges, and post-COVID reopening status across the transit system

Inclusive Urban Design: Public Toilets by Clara Greed

A key resource on international public toilet design, accessibility standards, and municipal management strategies used across Europe, Asia, and North America

District 37 City Council Member Sandy Nurse chats with Thom Blaylock about 2025's Local Law 58, working with the new Mayor and figuring out how to keep bathrooms front of mind in the huge list of priorities for New York City. 

The other Impact Lab coaches, Alex Heil, Polly Trottenberg, Sarah Kaufman, Tiffany Charbonier and Pat Satterstrom weigh in on the implications of the interview. 

References: 

Sandy Nurse

Mayday Space as a community center

BK ROT picking up compost 

Vision Zero is still a thing

Money Ball as metaphor for the search for a single number to guage bathroom siting priorities. 

Impact Lab partner Julie Chou chats with Thom Blaylock and Polly Trottenberg about the history of NYC bathrooms and her recent research and advocacy for bathrooms in various new projects including the 175 Park Avenue POPS project. 

The other Impact Lab coaches, Alex Heil, Sarah Kaufman and Pat Satterstrom weigh in on the implications of the interview. 

References: 

Julie Chou

Citywide Strategy 2020 report

Good to Go, A Citywide Assessment of Public Restrooms 2024 report

community board 5

Picture the homeless

free to pee campaign

CEMUSA 2006 APT contract

Fair Fares expansion

1990 ADA passage

175 Park Avenue Pop

CB5 Approval of 175 Park Avenue with bathrooms

Pat Satterstrom, Tiffany Charbonier and Thom Blaylock discuss the origins of NYU Wagner's Public Service Impact Lab. 

Impact Lab Website

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Special Thanks to Daniel Satterstrom for the theme music and footnote sound FX!