Josh Gold is no stranger to Albany, where personal relationships are as valuable as currency. Prior to joining Uber Technologies Inc. in September 2015 as the policy director in New York, the Fordham Law School graduate served as director of political and strategic affairs for the New York Hotel Trades Council and was a political and campaign consultant for several high-profile clients, including Mayor Bill de Blasio and his campaign for universal pre-kindergarten, and New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer.
Unlike some of his previous employers, who have been in New York’s political sphere for years ride-hailing giant Uber was met with resistance from some trial lawyers and the entrenched taxi and livery industry, all of whom have deep-seated relationships with state legislators. After a battle lasting more than two years, ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft Inc. finally were given the green light to operate outside of New York City by the Legislature in April, and started operating on June 29 after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation pushing up the start date from July 9.
