Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla has expressed his gratitude to Ryan Sharp, Hoboken’s Transportation & Parking Director, who is resigning on September 3rd after 14 years of service.
Sharp, who started the successful Vision Zero project, is moving to a job in the private sector.
- Ryan Sharp, after 14 years of service, is stepping down as Hoboken’s Transportation & Parking Director on September 3rd.
- Sharp’s tenure included significant achievements such as the Vision Zero initiative and securing over $13 million in grants.
- Hoboken will begin a nationwide search for a new Director to continue enhancing the city’s transportation and safety infrastructure.
Sharp’s Positive Impact on Hoboken
Mayor Bhalla praised Sharp, saying, “There are few employees who have made as big of an impact in improving the quality of life for Hoboken residents than Director Sharp. He oversaw the dramatic transformation of our Mile Square to one of the safest places in the entire country to walk, bike, and drive. The Director’s leadership has unquestionably saved lives not just in Hoboken but across the entire country. I cannot thank him enough and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
Sharp expressed his appreciation, saying, “Working for the City of Hoboken has been the honor and privilege of my lifetime. I am deeply grateful to Mayor Bhalla and the City Council for giving me the opportunity to serve as the Director of Transportation and Parking. I also want to thank my incredible team and colleagues, who have become my extended family over the years, and without whom none of our significant accomplishments would have been possible. I will miss Hoboken dearly, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Ryan Sharp’s Impact on Hoboken Transportation
Ryan Sharp started his career with Hoboken as an intern in 2010 and became a transportation planner in 2011.
In 2017, Mayor Dawn Zimmer appointed him as Director of Transportation & Parking, a role he took on permanently in 2018 after approval from Mayor Bhalla and the council. During his time with the city, Sharp secured over $13 million in grant money for important projects.
He created Hoboken’s Complete Streets Program, which is recognized by NJDOT and Rutgers University. He also developed the Complete Streets Design Guide and Implementation Plan in 2019 and started the Vision Zero initiative.
This project led to over 150 curb extensions, more than 80 painted curb extensions, 14 miles of bike lanes, 14 pedestrian crossing islands, 11 raised crosswalks, and seven consecutive years without a traffic death.
Sharp also led major street redesigns, including the Washington Street and Observer Highway projects, making the city’s infrastructure safer.
The Sinatra Drive redesign is another major project under Sharp’s leadership, with construction set to begin next year.
Innovations and Future Plans for Hoboken’s Transportation
In addition to these achievements, Sharp introduced several new programs. These include the free Hop shuttle service, the ParkMobile parking system, and Hoboken’s first bike share program.
He also launched a new online visitor permit system in 2020, modernizing the city’s transportation and parking services. With Sharp’s departure, Hoboken will start a nationwide search for a new Director of Transportation & Parking.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and implementation of transportation and parking policies, programs, and projects that enhance mobility, safety, and sustainability within the city.
