MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Seattle Mayor Durkan announces nominee for new SDOT director

Dec 18, 2018, 5:13 PM

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced her nominee for the Seattle Department of Transportation’s new Director in a Tuesday press conference.

RELATED: Former SDOT director Scott Kubly says he wasn’t fired

Durkan’s nominee is Sam Zimbabwe, currently serving as the Chief Project Delivery Officer for the District Department of Transportation for Washington, D.C.

Zimbabwe has held that position since 2014. He has a master’s degree in city planning and urban design from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional studies from Cornell University.

Appropriately, one of the Zimbabwe’s major projects had him overseeing a project to increase the number of dockless scooters and bikeshares in Washington, D.C. This seems especially relevant given the rise of Lime, Uber JUMP, and Lyft bikeshares in Seattle.

“We’re taking a really important step today on the next generation of transit in Seattle,” said Mayor Durkan.

Shortly after Durkan’s announcement, Zimbabwe took the podium.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to help keep Seattle moving, build a transit and transportation system for the next generation, and deliver on projects for the people of Seattle,” he said.

Durkan’s own praise for Zimbabwe was effusive.

For decades, our region has been playing catch-up on its transportation needs. As more public and private mega projects lead to serious traffic disruptions downtown, the next few years will be critical for creating more safe, efficient, and well-connected transportation choices that make it easier and safer for residents to get around on foot, by bike, and via mass transit for decades to come. With a number of significant projects in the pipeline, I am confident Sam is ready to deliver on investments that will help us create a city of the future.

Next, Zimbabwe’s nomination will go before Seattle City Council for final approval.

MyNorthwest News

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

2 minutes ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

1 hour ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

2 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

3 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

6 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

7 hours ago

Seattle Mayor Durkan announces nominee for new SDOT director