City Manager appoints Director of Public Works

For immediate release
July 21, 2008

After a nationwide search, City Manager Marc Ott has selected Howard Lazarus of New Jersey, a professional engineer with more than 25 years experience in the public and private sectors, to lead the City of Austin’s Public Works Department.

Lazarus, a former Director of Engineering and Public Works for Newark, N.J., was most recently Vice President of Shaw Housing Privatization Ventures, based in Trenton, N.J. This subsidiary of The Shaw Group, a global company, developed residential communities throughout the United States.

Throughout his career, Lazarus has been responsible for designing, developing and financing of private and municipal infrastructure including transportation, water supply and wastewater systems. His experience includes oversight of environmental assessments for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ projects and managing all maintenance and repair operations for a major Army installation (Fort Carson, Colo).

"Mr. Lazarus brings a broad perspective that includes not only oversight, but design and in-the-field experience," City Manager Marc Ott. "I am confident as we move forward on transportation and capital improvement projects, his background will serve as a catalyst for getting projects moving forward in the most cost-effective manner."

Lazarus, who begins Aug. 18, will oversee a department of 517 employees with a budget of $68 million. Public Works builds and maintains Austin roadways and bridges; traffic signals; street signs and markings; sidewalks and bike facilities. The department also provides traffic calming and residential parking programs; traffic enforcement; and crossing guards at elementary schools.

Public Works also provides engineering, construction management and inspection services for City projects.

Lazarus replaces Acting Director Joe Ramos who did not apply for the position. Ramos will continue as an Assistant Director helping in the executive management transition and will be assigned special projects.