San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed today announced the appointment of Carla Short as the new Director of San Francisco Public Works. Short, who has been serving as the Department’s Interim Director for the past two years, has been a partner in efforts to support the City’s economic recovery through cleaning and beautification initiatives. Her appointment, effective immediately, follows a nationwide search led by the Public Works Commission.
“Carla Short has clearly demonstrated that she is hardworking, collaborative and committed to improving San Francisco,” said Mayor Breed. “From the first day she stepped into this job, she never wavered from taking on challenges and embracing opportunities to move our City forward. Carla has made it clear through her performance that she is the right person for what is one of the toughest jobs in the city. She understands our neighborhoods and diverse communities. I am confident in her leadership to keep the momentum going.”
Short began her career with Public Works in 2004 as the City’s Urban Forester and moved into the bureau’s top position in 2015. She filled in as the Department’s Deputy Director for Operations for eight months starting in the fall of 2019, and served as Deputy Chief of the Bureau of Street-use and Mapping. A certified arborist, Short holds a Master of Environmental Management from Yale University.
“While I didn’t set out to be the permanent director, I am incredibly honored that Mayor Breed has the confidence in me to continue in the job and build on the work we started,” Short said. “I will do my best to fight for my department, the city and the people of San Francisco.”
During her tenure as interim Public Works Director, Short oversaw the delivery of major capital building projects, including the Southeast Community Center and Fireboat Station 35, development of the new Street Tree Nursery, creation of the courtesy graffiti abatement program in neighborhood commercial corridors, expansion of the CleanCorridorsSF deep cleaning operation, and Public Works’ key partnership in several citywide initiatives to improve street conditions.
“I am delighted that Ms. Short has agreed to serve as the permanent Director of Public Works,” said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin. “She has the know-how, experience, humility and respect from all quarters to do an extraordinary job.”
“At the mayor’s request, the Public Works Commission conducted a robust national search and a number of qualified public works professionals were interviewed by the commission and the mayor,” said Lauren Post, who chairs the commission. “But in the end, Carla Short rose to the top. The commission looks forward to continuing our work with this outstanding leader who has demonstrated her capabilities and excellence.”
With an annual operating budget of $453 million, an active capital portfolio exceeding $3 billion and a workforce of nearly 1,800, Public Works has a wide reach, from street cleaning, roadway paving, and tree care to the design, delivery and maintenance of civic buildings and infrastructure.
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