Under the leadership of new Mayor John Whitmire, the City of Houston’s transportation strategy is taking a different direction, with recent resignations of key officials who worked to enhance commuting experiences, raising questions about the city’s future initiatives.
David Fields, who served as the city’s transportation planner for four years during former Mayor Sylvester Turner’s tenure, resigned in early February. Mayor Whitmire’s administration indicated that the vacant transportation planner role will not be filled at present.
Fields’ departure coincides with Mayor Whitmire’s decision to halt a significant street safety project on Houston Avenue and initiate a review of various other projects throughout the city.
According to reports from Axios Houston citing documents, Fields’ resignation on Feb. 5 may have occurred under the pressure of potential termination from employment.
While Fields has not publicly discussed the circumstances surrounding his resignation, he shared a statement on social media expressing pride in the progress made during his tenure, aiming to create safer streets for all Houstonians.
In response to inquiries about the city’s commitment to reducing car dependency, Mayor Whitmire’s office emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance mobility options and improve transportation choices for residents. They are actively exploring strategies to enhance mobility and provide diverse transportation alternatives for Houstonians.
