Denver Could Create a New Transportation Department

"Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has ordered a reorganization of the Department of Public Works that could lead to the eventual creation of a new Cabinet-level transportation department," reports Jon Murray.

Some city officials and bike, pedestrian and transit advocates have urged such a move as a way to elevate transportation planning. That and other street functions currently are housed under Public Works, which also manages the sewer system, trash removal, water quality projects and the city’s vehicle fleet.

A reorganization that creates a new cabinet-level department would require voter approval, and any such ballot measure is not expected to be ready in time for the November election. Mayor Hancock has a few interim reorganization steps in mind, however, including moving transportation related functions into a single office within Public Works.

Hat tip to Rahcel Dovey for sharing the news and also adding some additional perspective on the experience of Miami-Dade County, which made the opposite reorganization move in early 2016.