By The FirstNew York Mayor Eric Adams appointed the city’s first ‘Rat Czar’ Wednesday to help combat the unprecedented rise of rodent infestations across the Big Apple.
“New York City has done a lot recently when it comes to fighting public enemy number one: rats. But it was clear we needed someone solely focused on leading our rat reduction efforts across all five boroughs, and today I’m proud to announce Kathy Corradi as New York City’s first-ever ‘rat czar,’” said Mayor Adams. “Kathy has the knowledge, drive, experience, and energy to send rats packing and create a cleaner more welcoming city for all New Yorkers. Beginning with this $3.5 million investment toward rodent mitigation in Harlem, Kathy will take the lead on our multi-agency effort to test new mitigation techniques, expand outreach and education efforts, and increase maintenance and remediation work. The rats are going to hate Kathy, but we’re excited to have her leading this important effort.”
“Rats are more than just a quality-of-life issue — they are a symbol of systemic issues that for too long have plagued New Yorkers, particularly low-income and communities of color,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “I’m thrilled to have Kathy Corradi as our first rat czar, who will coordinate across agencies, bring a scientific, data-driven approach to the role, and deliver on Mayor Adams’ vision to finally control our rat population. It will take each and every New Yorker working together to create the rat free New York City we all want, and Kathy is the right person to lead us forward.”
“Every New Yorker — regardless of their zip code, income level, or any defining factor — deserves to live in a city free from rats,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “I’m thrilled to have Kathy Corradi as the city’s first ever rat czar, who with a background in science and expertise in rodent mitigation, will help deliver an equitable quality of life experience for all New Yorkers. Through Kathy’s leadership and each and every New Yorker playing their own part, we can write a new chapter in our city on cleanliness and ending the rat crisis.”
Read the full press release here.
