Denver Transportation Director Amy Ford to Step Down in December

Residents of Denver will see a leadership change at the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, or DOTI, when Amy Ford leaves her post on Dec. 4. Ford served as the executive director for three years before stepping down to pursue a new role.

Ford was appointed by Mayor Mike Johnston in 2023. Her tenure included oversight of several high-profile projects and a period of intense public scrutiny regarding the agency's performance. A city news release announced the departure but did not specify a reason for her exit. Jon Ewing, a spokesman for the mayor's office, described the departure as a mutual decision.

One of the most visible controversies during Ford's time in office involved the Alameda Avenue road diet. The department originally planned to remove one lane on a 10-block stretch between Pearl and Franklin streets. DOTI later revised the plan to convert only some lanes into turn pockets. It emerged that the change followed complaints from Jill Anschutz, the daughter-in-law of billionaire Phil Anschutz. The revelation led to critical media coverage, the resignation of a transportation advisory board member, and a formal letter of protest from the City Council majority.

Staffing issues also drew attention. In March, The Denver Post reported that the department lost key employees during a period of public missteps. A former employee described the situation as a brain drain. Council members have expressed doubts about the agency's ability to finish projects. The group recently asked the mayor's office to consider restructuring DOTI in its budget requests for the coming year.

Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer criticized the current structure, stating that previous layoffs created a situation with a well-paid management team but few implementers. Sawyer labeled DOTI's difficulties a failure of leadership. She recently proposed a council measure to consider raising pay for city executive directors, a group that has not received raises since 2022.

The Johnston administration highlighted several completed initiatives in its announcement. These include the 16th Street mall renovation, the first phase of East Colfax bus rapid transit, and a new pedestrian and bike underpass for the High Line Canal Trail. Mayor Johnston said Ford delivered complex projects on time and on budget while leading efforts to slow speeds on dangerous corridors.

Cindy Patton, the department's chief operating officer, will serve as interim director. The city will begin the search for a permanent DOTI leader immediately. Ford previously worked for an infrastructure consulting firm and served as the director of communications for the Colorado Department of Transportation.