Richard Mendoza, Atlanta’s commissioner of public works, has accepted a position with the City of Austin, Texas, as director of public works.
Mendoza will be replaced by deputy chief operating officer William Johnson.
Mendoza’s work as commissioner included leading the offices of transportation, solid waste and fleet services. The department of public works has more than 780 employees, an annual operating budget of $100.3 million and a capital budget of $50 million, according to information from the city of Atlanta.
Led by Mendoza, the department of public works completed the $150 million Quality of Life Infrastructure Bond Program and developed plans for the Renew Atlanta $250 million infrastructure bond, the city said. The department also oversaw the construction of the $97 million Atlanta Streetcar; bought the city’s first alternative fuel compressed natural gas powered garbage trucks and conducted Atlanta’s first successful online auction of surplus vehicles and equipment, among other accomplishments.
Mendoza’s last day is Jan. 11.
