In Santa Rosa, CA, the Public Works and Transit Departments have been restructured to create the Transportation and Public Works Department. The changes, effective Oct. 1, are designed to strengthen internal communications and coordination within the new department to improve services for the community.
The reorganization creates a single organization focused on the integration of car, bus, bike and pedestrian modes of travel into the initial land-use planning process.
Having all services merged into one department eliminates the need for one department head position and will provide an immediate budget savings an estimated $200,000. Additional administrative efficiencies are expected over time as administrative, planning and design teams coordinate more work.
Although Public Works and Transit have been long-time partners, the creation of the new Transportation and Public Works Department intensifies the priority of transportation in the land-use planning process.