"Dr. Kott was not just a skilled planner and professor, but truly dedicated to his students, committed to sustainable transportation and transportation justice, and always gracious, warm, thoughtful, and supportive, in particular of the next generation of planners.

Every time I would present in his class, he would provide the most heartfelt welcoming and introduction, and raise the expectations in the room to such a high degree, that I would often blush and have to crack a joke or attempt to lower the expectations in the room in some way. That's just the kind of person he was. I'm saddened by this news and will sincerely miss his presence and partnership."  -Chris Lepe, MUP, TransForm.

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"Joe Kott was a PhD student with Jeff Kenworthy and I while based in California.

Joe was the gentlest and most supportive PhD I have ever worked with and a deeply spiritual man. My wife and I were privileged to stay with him and Katherine in California. He really appreciated doing his PhD with us as it gave a less car-dependent perspective and Jeff was an exceptional inspiration to him over the past decade. Joe deeply understood that if we do not build our cities so cars are a servant and not a master we will be in big trouble. He brought the conviction of a design engineer to how this can be done, one street at a time. Its such a pity that he could not have lived longer in delivering his message. Farewell, Joe.  Peter."

-Professor Peter Newman, AO; John Curtin Distinguished Professor of Sustainability, Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (Western Australia).

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"I’ve only known Dr. Kott for four years, but we became good friends and associates, not only at San Jose State, but also at Mineta Transportation Institute, ITS-Berkeley, and Stanford’s Urban Studies program.  In his life (which ended far too early) Joe was an inspiration to everyone that he touched--a true leader, innovator, and mentor to young professionals."  -Dr. Charles Rivasplata, Professor and SFMTA Senior Planner.