Erich Bilal

Erich Bilal serves as the Executive Director of the Public Design Commission. Prior to joining the PDC, Bilal worked at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, most recently as Vice President of Neighborhood Strategies in the Planning Division. In this role, he oversaw public engagement, planning, design, and implementation for social infrastructure and community-oriented development projects of all scales. His work included public realm and open spaces, cultural centers, community facilities, and housing developments, all aimed at improving the quality of life for New Yorkers across the five boroughs. Bilal also served as a Governing Board Member for the New York City Neighborhood Capital Corporation, guiding funding for critical community development initiatives citywide. His earlier career spanned private-sector and nonprofit real estate development, focused on mission-aligned delivery and stewardship of community-serving assets. 

Bilal holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia and a Master of City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Blaine, and their two children, Betty and Beau.