The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is developing a new focus on comprehensive solutions to congestion, access and mobility issues, which affect quality of life and economic health far beyond the Portland metro area. This new focus responds to public and stakeholder feedback and aligns with the visions of the Oregon Transportation Commission and ODOT Director Kris Strickler for the future of the transportation system.
ODOT’s newly formed Office of Urban Mobility and Mega Project Delivery is a key part of that comprehensive approach. While its work will continue to evolve, the office will immediately focus on developing and delivering innovative solutions for comprehensive congestion relief as directed by the Legislature in HB 2017.
Strickler laid out his vision for the new office.
“The creation of this office not only signals ODOT’s commitment to addressing congestion on all fronts but signals our new way of doing business. The agency will enhance its efforts to grow beyond just a highway department into an organization focused on providing transportation options for all users, making decisions through the lens of social equity, and ensuring equitable access to transportation choices and economic opportunities for communities and individuals across our state,” said Strickler.
The work of the new office will include delivery of the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project, the I-205 and Abernethy Bridge Project and active development of a tolling and congestion pricing program to meet the region’s immediate needs. These projects are just the beginning; this office will lead on the region’s greatest transportation challenges as ODOT moves to provide greater access, options and reliability to the transportation network in the region.
To lead the effort, ODOT named Brendan Finn, director, Office of Urban Mobility and Mega Project Delivery; Della Mosier, deputy director of the office; and Lucinda Broussard as tolling program manager.
Finn most recently served as the transportation policy advisor for Gov. Kate Brown. He spent 19 years at the city of Portland, rising to chief of staff for Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who oversaw the Portland Bureau of Transportation.
“Brendan brings with him a rich background in regional and state transportation,” said Strickler. “We have worked closely with Brendan on a number of key issues and it is clear that he is the right person to lead this vital effort to equitably ease congestion, foster diverse partnerships and build some of the most economically critical transportation projects in state history.”
Finn will make the transition into this role on March 1.
Mosier will begin transitioning into her role as deputy director immediately. She has more than 20 years of transportation experience in the private and public sector, with the past 10 years in various roles at ODOT. She most recently held leadership roles in the ODOT’s Bend office and has assisted multiple efforts in the Portland office the past year.
“As an engineer, Della brings an exceptional technical and project focused background that will allow us to accomplish innovative things and expand our ability to manage the transportation system differently,” said Strickler.
Broussard has more than 20 years of tolling experience and most recently led tolling programs in Georgia and Washington. She will join ODOT and this new position situated in the Office of Urban Mobility and Mega Project Delivery on Feb. 1.
“ODOT is just beginning to implement tolling in the state,” said Strickler, “and Lucinda’s technical knowledge and experience are essential as we take the first step to have tolling and congestion pricing as a tool going forward.”
This new leadership team will add staff to support their efforts and will work with department regional offices to complement their ongoing work.
