Kathleen Corradi Steps Down as NYC's First-Ever 'Rat Czar'

NEW YORK — Kathleen Corradi, who was appointed the New York City’s first-ever citywide director of rodent mitigation (aka, Rat Czar) in April 2023, has stepped down, effective Oct. 10, according to several news sources, including the Guardian and New York Post.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams confirmed to FOX 5 NY that Corradi "will be working to serve the city in a different capacity."

Corradi was hired to work across city government agencies, community organizations, and the private sector to reduce the rat population in New York City, PCT reported in 2023.

Following her appointment, Adams announced the new Harlem Rat Mitigation Zone and a $3.5 million investment to expand and accelerate rat reduction work across Harlem.

Some of the rodent mitigation progress made during Corradi’s two-and-a-half year term, included:

-    - The first National Urban Rat Summit in New York City, was held. The summit brought together rodent control experts in hopes of taking “a bold step forward in advancing the understanding of municipal rat management with a collective commitment to lead with science and put research into action.”

- Corradi worked under the city’s leadership during the introduction of the new NYC Bin, a garbage can designed with wheels and a secure latching lid that is aimed at replacing traditional trash bags, with the hopes to reduce rodent sightings.  

- Corradi also worked to decrease rodent activity by pushing for ContraPest, rodent birth control, that was placed in special containers aimed at encouraging the rats to ingest it, a 2024 Guardian news report stated.

Adams said efforts to end New York City’s rodent problem would ‘continue at full steam’ despite Corradi’s exit, according to a Guardian news report. Corradi will continue to work for the city in a different capacity, which the city has not disclosed, the report stated.