Pasadena City Manager Launches Search for New Director of Transportation

City Manager Miguel Márquez has initiated the recruitment process for Pasadena’s next Director of Transportation, with applications now open and screenings set for February.

According to the City’s website, the director will oversee the fiscal year’s 2024’s operating budget of approximately $44 million, a capital budget of nearly $184 million, and a staff of 54. 

The salary for the position is between $195,448 and $244,309. 

“The ideal director will take a high-level approach to transportation planning, with a deep passion for and understanding of how transportation impacts communities— uniting or dividing neighborhoods, growing or shrinking wealth inequity, and increasing or limiting access to vital services,” according to the City’s website. 

“With significant Capital Improvements upcoming, the City is seeking a Director with experience in finance, particularly in the areas of budget creation and oversight, grant funding, and cost reduction. The ideal Director will be a technically skilled administrator with exceptional interpersonal skills, who is enthusiastic about collaborating with constituents, special interest groups, and City Council to strategize innovative solutions to safety and transportation concerns.” 

The position became open when Laura Rubio-Cornejo, City of Pasadena was appointed to serve as General Manager, City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation in August. 

Her last day with the City of Pasadena was September 15.

The public is encouraged to attend a virtual meeting to provide input on the most important qualities that potential candidates should possess. The executive search firm WBPC, Inc. will facilitate the executive search and the public meeting.

“Community input is incredibly valuable in appointing the best individual to lead the Department. I encourage all members of the community to attend the upcoming forum and share their thoughts on the characteristics and professional background they feel would be most important in the new director,” states Márquez.

The department’s most recent priorities include the Complete Streets Program; providing and enhancing safe, reliable, seamless, and exemplary local transit services, including Dial-A-Ride; enhancing the efficiencies of on- and off-street parking management; and enhancing organizational and operational effectiveness, efficiency, and communication with the community.

The community forum will take place on Zoom at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24.