Timothy Sexton is set to steer the ship at the City Public Works Department, now that the City Council confirmed him as the new director on Thursday. Sexton, who carved out a niche for himself overseeing sustainability and program management for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), will now take on a bigger role from May 6.
In his previous stint at MnDOT, Sexton managed to sustainably execute planning for a team of 350 strong. Now, he'll have to quickly adapt to run a department almost thrice the size, with the charge of maintenance and emergency repairs for the city's thirsting infrastructure. Encumbered with a staff of about 1,100, it's a tall order to deliver essential services from ensuring solid waste and recycling collection to maintaining streets and sewers.
A statement from the City reveals that Sexton is geared up for the journey, saying, "I am excited to begin working with the Public Works team to further our City’s vision for a safe, equitable, and sustainable infrastructure system of the future." He expressed his gratitude for the confidence vested in him by Mayor Jacob Frey and the City Council, committing to a partnership designed to serve and better the lives of Minneapolis residents.
His appointment is also met with hope and endorsement from Mayor Frey himself, determined to see Minneapolis tackle climate challenges head-on, especially through transport—a domain Sexton is finely tuned with. "Having Tim Sexton at the helm of our Public Works department is the right choice for our city," Mayor Frey said, according to the City's announcement. His experience is expected to seamlessly transition into his new role, bringing a climate-focused vision to the fore.
Council Member Katie Cashman of the Climate & Infrastructure committee also weighed in on the decision. She spoke to Sexton's credentials, especially his impact on fostering clean and safe transportation across Minnesota. Cashman underscored his commitment to climate and equity, predicting he will echo this influence in Minneapolis. "I look forward to our collaboration as he takes up the role of Public Works Director for the City of Minneapolis," she told the City's news release.
With Sexton's sustainability pedigree and his known willingness to tackle solid waste issues, his leadership is primed to leave a distinct imprint on both the infrastructure and the environmental roadmap of the City of Minneapolis.
