Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla today extended his gratitude to Hoboken’s Transportation & Parking Director Ryan Sharp, who has announced his resignation after 14 years of dedicated service to the City of Hoboken. Sharp, who spearheaded the launch of Hoboken's nationally acclaimed Vision Zero initiative, will be stepping down on Sept. 3 for a job in the private sector.
“There are few employees who have made as big of an impact in improving the quality of life for Hoboken residents than Director Sharp,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “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.”
“Working for the City of Hoboken has been the honor and privilege of my lifetime,” said Director Sharp. “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.”
Sharp began his career with the City as an intern in 2010 before becoming a transportation planner in 2011. In 2017, Mayor Dawn Zimmer appointed Sharp Director of the Department of Transportation & Parking before assuming the role permanently following Mayor Bhalla and council approval in 2018.
During his tenure with the City, Sharp secured over $13 million in grant funding for critical projects and created Hoboken's award-winning Complete Streets Program, recognized by NJDOT and Rutgers University. He developed the Complete Streets Design Guide and Implementation Plan in 2019 and Vision Zero initiative, which led to the implementation of over 150 curb extensions, over 80 painted curb extensions, 14 miles of bicycle lanes, 14 pedestrian crossing islands, 11 raised crosswalks, and seven consecutive years without a traffic death.
He spearheaded major street redesigns, including the Washington Street and Observer Highway projects, significantly enhancing the city’s infrastructure and safety, as well as the Sinatra Drive redesign which will begin construction next year.
In addition to these accomplishments, Sharp introduced several innovative programs, including the free Hop shuttle service, the ParkMobile parking system, and Hoboken's first bike share program. He also launched a new online virtual visitor permit system in 2020, further modernizing and improving the city's transportation and parking services.
The City will now launch 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.
