Pittsburgh director of mobility and infrastructure to join Biden administration

Pittsburgh’s director of mobility and infrastructure is leaving the city to take a role in Washington, D.C., with the Federal Transit Administration.

Karina Ricks, who joined the city administration in February 2017, was the first to lead the then-newly created department.

“As the very first Director of DOMI, Karina has established a structure … that brings vision and energy so that our infrastructure not only meets the demands of today, but is designed thoughtfully, inclusively, equitably and sustainably so that we are prepared for the next generations of mobility,” Mayor Bill Peduto said in a statement. “Under her leadership, the city has built bridges, paved record miles of roads, introduced autonomous vehicles and rideshares and found creative and effective solutions so that our roads are safe and our public infrastructure is for all.”

In her role in Pittsburgh, Ricks’ goal was to provide residents with safe, accessible and sustainable transportation options.

Among her accomplishments, the city said, was investing $237 million in capital infrastructure projects, including for street resurfacing, bridge projects and on-street bike facilities; working to develop smart city infrastructure including modernized traffic signals and energy efficient street lighting; working with partners to improve public transit and equitable mobility; and responding to landslides, and flood and stormwater mitigation.

In a news release, Ricks said she was honored to serve in Pittsburgh.

“I am proud of the strong and capable organization we have built and the deep bench of leadership and skill within it,” she said.

Ricks previously served as a partner in the San Francisco-based transportation firm Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates and as an associate director of transportation in D.C.