Art Reinhardt is stepping into a pivotal role as the new Director of the Public Works Department in San Antonio, ready to manage the city's frameworks that keep it moving smoothly. Announced by City Manager Erik Walsh, his appointment, effective January 5, 2026, marks the first permanent director placement for Public Works since the city split its department's responsibilities last year. This reorganization aims to enhance efficiency with Public Works focusing on maintenance and operations—like street repairs and drainage—and the Capital Delivery Department handling big-ticket capital projects.
Reinhardt's resume is a tapestry of public sector and private sector experiences, spanning over two decades of dedication to engineering. According to a statement obtained by the City of San Antonio news release, he most recently served as Bexar County Engineer and Public Works Director, and before that, he was making decisions at WSP USA Inc. as the Local Business Lead for San Antonio from 2020 to 2024. Reinhardt's tenure with the city's Transportation & Capital Improvements Department, particularly as Interim Deputy Director, provided him with significant insight into the intricacies of San Antonio's public works landscape.
"After a national search, I’m confident Art Reinhardt has the experience and judgment to lead the department and deliver critical projects on time and within budget, while strengthening how we communicate with residents and project partners," City Manager Erik Walsh expressed in his announcement on the City of San Antonio.
Reinhardt himself embraces the task ahead with earnest anticipation, having been associated with these mandates in earlier roles—and, according to the City of San Antonio news release, he relays, “It is a great honor for me to return to the City of San Antonio and continue my career of public service. Residents interact with City streets, sidewalks, drainage, and traffic infrastructure every day, and together as a staff we will ensure it makes a positive impression.” The University of Texas at Austin civil engineering graduate is no stranger to the expectations of a metropolis reliant on its public services.
In this latest chapter of the Public Works Department, Major General (Ret.) Juan Ayala, who served as the Interim Public Works Director, will return to his duties as Military and Veteran Affairs Director.
