The Impact Lab: An NYU Public Service Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 4: Redefining Public Spaces--The 2026 Impact Lab Bathroom Summit Oct 04, 2026

Show notes

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

References:

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

Episode 3: Council Member Sandy Nurse, the Role of City Council and Making Bathrooms "Normal" Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

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.

Episode 2: Julie Chou and the History and Current Politics of NYC Bathrooms Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

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

Note, only one mention of public restrooms in this prospectus and that is from a note from the Manhattan Borough President about the lack of toilets within the transit hall underground. There are still no plans to include toilets in either the POPS or the transit hall.

CB5 Approval of 175 Park Avenue with bathrooms

Episode 1: Meet the Team Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

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

Show Notes

Impact Lab Website

Take Part in our What Three Words Find a Bathroom Video Assignment!

Give to NYU Wagner

Music

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