Sidara Voices & Visions
A Conversation with Michael Shamma, New York Metro Executive at TYLin
Exploring the ideas shaping tomorrow’s cities. Fresh from Climate Week NYC, Michael A. Shamma, TYLin's’ New York Metro Executive and City Solutions Practice Leader, shares his perspective on how cities can meet today’s most urgent challenges.
With a career that bridges public service and private sector leadership, Michael has spent decades advancing smart, safe, and sustainable solutions for urban life. From leading major infrastructure initiatives across New York State to shaping city-focused strategies at TYLin, his work reflects a deep commitment to resilience and innovation.
In this Voices & Visions, Michael reflects on what Climate Week revealed about the future of our cities — and why rethinking the way we design, plan, and connect is more important than ever.
Michael Shamma New York Metro Executive at TYLin
Why do events like Climate Week NYC matter?
"Events like this matter for two key reasons, they make us uncomfortable and inspire us at the same time.
They force us to confront the limitations of our current approaches — and that discomfort is important. No breakthrough ever came from doing things the same way we’ve done them for decades. We need to be critical and stay open to new ideas, even when that’s hard.
At the same time, these events are deeply educational. I always walk away with insights I didn’t have before, and they help keep climate action front and center, where it belongs."
“There’s so much untapped capacity, especially compared to the congestion on our highways.”
Looking back at last week’s event, was there one idea that really stood out?
"One idea I was especially drawn to was the conversation around how we can reopen waterways to aid last-mile delivery — essentially, how we can resurrect old ideas and bring them into the twenty-first century.
Growing up near the Mediterranean, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for water. From my office, I overlook the East River, and I often find myself watching the boats and wondering why we don’t use our waterways more. There’s so much untapped capacity, especially compared to the congestion on our highways."
Why is decarbonizing cities such a complex challenge?
"Cities are dense, interconnected systems where mobility, energy, water, construction, and waste constantly interact.
Making them sustainable requires systems thinking — long-term planning, electrification, renewables, and material circularity. With most of the global population living in cities, solving this challenge is critical. Fragmented urban development no longer works; we need integrated planning that connects housing, infrastructure, public space, and mobility.
One idea I’m passionate about is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the East or Hudson River – linking communities and encouraging active transport. When infrastructure is thoughtfully designed and connected, people use it — and cities thrive."
“Whether you’re living in New York, Mumbai, Paris, or any other world city, extreme weather can affect us all.”
How do we navigate urban sustainability in an ever-changing geopolitical climate?
"Climate resilience isn’t political; it’s personal.
Whether you’re living in New York, Mumbai, Paris, or any other world city, extreme weather can affect us all.
We’ve seen firsthand how storms disrupt lives and infrastructure, and that’s why resilience must be a priority. The investments we make today in infrastructure and planning will determine how well we withstand future events. It’s about protecting communities, not debating ideologies."
As TYLin’s City Leader for North America, you’ve worked closely with urban environments around the world. What are some of the most innovative projects you’ve seen?
"The projects that inspire me most are those that prove sustainability can drive both innovation and quality of life.
At BATWorks at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, TYLin is coming together with Perkins&Will to help the New York City Economic Development Corporation transform 200,000 square feet of historic space into a $100 million climate innovation hub — integrating low-carbon materials and adaptive reuse to cut embodied carbon while creating a home for green tech startups.
We also supported New York City in developing the Indirect Source Rule, the first city-level policy in the U.S. aimed at reducing warehouse truck emissions. It’s a great example of how technical expertise can shape systemic change and deliver cleaner air for communities.
Together, these projects show what’s possible when design, infrastructure, and policy come together to create healthier, more sustainable cities."
“Safety, access to green space, and cultural connection are all vital — together they shape how we experience our cities.”
Many describe city living as stressful, expensive, or unsustainable. How can we reshape urban growth to also deliver a good quality of life?
"Urban living brings energy but also stress, which is why quality of life matters. Feeling safe and at ease when riding the subway or walking in my neighborhood is fundamental — and I’m fortunate that I do. Without that sense of security, nothing else works.
Safety, access to green space, and cultural connection are all vital — together they shape how we experience our cities. A park, a tree, or a rooftop garden can soften the urban landscape, while cultural connection brings people together and helps cities thrive. Resilience matters too, because knowing your city is prepared for disruption brings peace of mind.
With thoughtful, systems-based planning, we can strengthen safety, resilience, and community. That’s the kind of work Sidara companies are proud to deliver — partnering with city leaders, developers, and communities to make urban life not just sustainable, but truly livable."
If you could change one thing about cities today, what would it be?
"I’d love to see cities embrace smart technology and natural design.
Imagine buildings that function like trees — intelligent, efficient, but also green and calming. We have the technology to do this, and it doesn’t compromise performance or sustainability.
When I look out and see only glass, steel, and concrete, I think about how much better it would feel to see greenery integrated into the built environment.
It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about creating spaces that feel human and alive."
At a time when cities face urgent challenges, this edition of Voices & Visions features Michael Shamma on rethinking how we design, build, and connect to create sustainable and livable urban environments.
To learn more about how Michael and the team at TYLin are shaping solutions that connect communities, reduce congestion, and unlock new capacity for growth — connect with him on LinkedIn and follow his journey to create thriving cities built for the future.
Michael Shamma New York Metro Executive and City Solutions Practice Leader at TYLin
