The City of Minneapolis is proud to share that Tim Sexton, Director of Public Works, was unanimously elected to the board of the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). Minneapolis will host NACTO’s annual Designing Cities conference in May, bringing together more than 1,000 engineers, planners, government agency leaders, elected officials, advocates, and other transportation professionals of all career levels to advance the state of transportation in North America.
“Tim’s been leading the work to make our streets safer and easier to use—whether you’re biking or driving,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “His work has made a difference here in Minneapolis, and now he’ll bring that same approach to the national stage, helping more cities build transportation systems that actually work for people.”
Strong tenure for Sexton
Sexton was nominated to serve as Director of Public Works by Mayor Frey in March 2024 and unanimously confirmed by City Council the following month. Prior to that, Sexton served as the assistant commissioner for sustainability, planning and program management for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
"Tim Sexton’s unanimous election to the NACTO Board is a proud moment for Minneapolis and a testament to his leadership of our Public Works team,” said Margaret Anderson Kelliher, City Operations Officer. “Tim has championed safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation systems that serve all residents, and this national role reflects the impact of that work. We’re excited to see Minneapolis’ values and innovative approach help shape the future of urban transportation at a critical time for cities everywhere.”
Milestones in Public Works
As Public Works director, Sexton oversees a department of 1,300 employees who build, operate and maintain the City’s public infrastructure and deliver critical services, including solid waste and recycling collection, safe drinking water, street maintenance and emergency sewer and road repairs.
During his tenure, Sexton has helped his team achieve several exciting milestones for the City of Minneapolis, including the opening of Hennepin Avenue South, launch of the City’s traffic safety camera pilot program, Minneapolis water being named “Best in Glass” by the American Water Works Association, the addition of dozens of electric vehicles to the City’s fleet, and much more.
“I am honored to join the NACTO board at such a pivotal moment for our industry and for my home city,” said Tim Sexton, Minneapolis Public Works Director. “Minneapolis is hard at work preparing to welcome the NACTO movement this spring, and I look forward to showcasing how we are embedding equity and resilience into our transportation network. Joining this group of visionary leaders is a chance to help scale what we’ve learned in Minneapolis to cities across North America.”
“The strength of the NACTO network lies in the shared vision, collective expertise, and strong leadership of our member cities,” said Ryan Russo, NACTO Executive Director. “Tim’s leadership—including through recent unprecedented times—and his track record of delivering safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation projects make him an invaluable addition to our board.”
Public Works mission is to be effective stewards of public infrastructure and provide core city services that contribute to public safety, economic vitality, and neighborhood livability in Minneapolis.