Introducing the Bureau of Transportation's New Signals and Street Lighting Manager

Posted on the Mayor's Blog, but reposted for fun...

Greetings Portland,

My name is Peter Koonce and I am the new manager of the Signals and Street Lighting Division of the Portland Bureau of Transportation. It is my job to keep the traffic signals going green, yellow, red (in that order) and the street lights brightening your commute. As a native of Portland and graduate of Benson Tech, I am excited about contributing to our community by serving the City of Portland in this new role. I am fortunate to find myself with the opportunity to help transform the transportation system into a smarter, more efficient system that reflects the needs of the most sustainable city in the country. Our emphasis will be on building a 21st century transportation system that recognizes the need to move people and goods safely and efficiently.

I joined PBOT after serving the City and other public agencies across the country in private practice with Kittelson & Associates, Inc. My experiences have made me appreciate the uniqueness of our community and the leadership Portland provides for the country. I am especially interested in responding to the challenge of prioritizing our investments and implementing strategies consistent with local policies that address the issues of effective mobility, community development, climate change and expansion of our transportation choices. As a regular bike commuter and long-time bus rider, I am committed to improving transportation for these important customers as well.

During my first month at the bureau, I have experienced small successes I look forward to building on in the coming years. By working closely with our regional partners and advocacy groups – such as TriMet, Metro, Portland State University, the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance and the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition – to improve our community, the Portland Bureau of Transportation and I will work diligently to make Portland a model city for livability.

Sincerely,

Peter Koonce