Vaidehi Mody Leads Award-Winning Urban Planning at NYC’s Largest Public Housing Agency

New Delhi [India], November 23: Vaidehi Mody, a Mumbai-born architect and urban planner, has been honored by the prestigious Association for a Better New York (ABNY) for her pivotal role in enhancing New York City’s public housing and urban spaces. ABNY, a leading nonprofit organization, brings together public and private sector leader to drive the continuous growth and renewal of New York City’s communities and infrastructure. The organization celebrates individuals who contribute significantly to the city’s essential services and its overall vitality, and they recognized Vaidehi for ‘Powering NYC.’

Vaidehi is leading an award-winning program within the largest public housing agency in North America, which houses one in every 17 New Yorkers. Her journey into urban planning began in her childhood in Mumbai, where she first experienced how well-designed spaces could positively shape lives. “When my family moved to a building with a lawn and space to play with other kids, it changed how I felt and grew.” Vaidehi reflects.

In New York, Vaidehi has been instrumental in leading initiatives that enhance the quality of life for low-income residents. One of her most notable contributions is the Open Space Masterplan for NYCHA, which has become a benchmark in the urban planning industry. This comprehensive plan not only revitalizes open spaces but also sets a new standard for urban planning best practices. “It’s inspiring to see other city agencies and academic institutions now look to this plan as a best practice,” she shares. More recently, in partnership with non-profit partners, Vaidehi facilitated investments of over ₹100 Crores for new public space projects for low-income New Yorkers.