Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City’s next Public Works director already has a long list of major city projects behind him. Jason L. Waldron, P.E., who has helped oversee transportation planning, street improvements and the $350 million KC Streetcar Main Street Extension, has been appointed to lead the department.
Waldron will officially begin the new role Monday, September 14, bringing more than 30 years of experience in transportation, infrastructure, construction and public service. His appointment places a familiar figure at the helm of a department responsible for many of the systems Kansas City residents use every day.
Most recently, Waldron served as Transportation Director within Public Works, providing executive leadership to the Engineering, Construction and Multimodal Transportation groups.
“Jason’s list of accomplishments as a professional engineer and project manager is long and distinguished. He has demonstrated passion and dedication for the City of Kansas City and public service,” City Manager Mario Vasquez said.
“I’m grateful for his willingness to step up and lend his talent and expertise to lead the Public Works Department.”
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Before joining the city, Waldron spent 17 years in the private sector as a transportation consultant. His work included roadway, sidewalk, park, trail and transit projects across the Kansas City area.
His city portfolio has grown substantially since then. Beyond managing the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension, Waldron helped implement Kansas City’s Vision Zero Program and High Injury Network strategies. He also helped develop the city’s first protected bike lane network, supported the conversion of streetlights to energy-efficient LED technology and worked on efforts that produced historic street resurfacing mileage.
Waldron has also served as the city’s transportation planning lead for large regional events including the NFL Draft and FIFA World Cup. His work has included securing state and federal funding through programs such as Safe Streets and Roads for All and Reconnecting Communities.
A licensed professional engineer, Waldron earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University. He received the American Public Works Association Jennings Randolph International Fellowship in 2018 and was named the Kansas City Chapter’s 2024 APWA Transportation Manager of the Year.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my hometown in this role,” Waldron said. “Kansas City has built incredible momentum in infrastructure and transportation, and I’m excited for the opportunity to help carry that forward.”
As director, Waldron will oversee Public Works, which manages major capital projects and maintains streets, sidewalks, streetlights and traffic signals while leading transportation and safety initiatives across Kansas City.
