Oakland, CA — Mayor Libby Schaaf today announced Matt Nichols will join her administration as the Policy Director for Infrastructure and Transportation. In this role, Nichols will be the Mayor’s primary liaison to city staff and external agencies responsible for planning, project development and delivery, and funding of infrastructure and transportation projects. “Bringing someone of Matt Nichols’ stature to Oakland is a great achievement for the City,” said Mayor Schaaf. “Matt has a proven track record of leading projects from inception to delivery and crafting and implementing sustainable transportation policies in the Bay Area. He possesses a wealth of valuable experience raising funds and has delivered successful programs working in city, regional and national settings. I’m excited to bring his experience, energy and expertise to Oakland. ”
For the past 13 years, Mr. Nichols served as Principal Transportation Planner for the City of Berkeley, raising approximately $40 million for transportation projects, while leading city-wide and neighborhood-based integrated transit, pedestrian and bicycle planning including managing federal, regional and local grant funds. He designed and led precedent-setting programs in disability access, car-sharing, pedestrian safety, bike/ped capital improvements and parking management. He also served as Berkeley’s staff representative to the Alameda County Transportation Commission. “I am very excited to join Mayor Schaaf’s administration to create the type of infrastructure that supports strong neighborhoods and a strong economy,” said Mr. Nichols. “I share Mayor Schaaf’s enthusiasm for this critical issue and look forward to helping Oakland attract additional funds to realize its huge potential for transportation and infrastructure improvements.”
In addition to his significant experience in transportation funding and project management, Mr. Nichols has demonstrated a unique ability to bring together diverse perspectives. Over the course of two decades in the field, he has worked in partnership with many government agencies including MTC, BART, AC Transit, CalTrans, U.S. EPA, and the Federal Highway Administration. He has also worked with transportation non-profits City CarShare, TransForm, Bike East Bay and Urban Ecology on innovative transit pass programs, station area planning, major capital projects, and “nuts and bolts" streetscape improvements such as bus shelter installation and bicycle parking. Mr. Nichols’ hire is a key step in Mayor’s Schaaf’s goal to assemble a motivated and enthusiastic team to work closely with her in achieving the policy objectives that will serve residents and move Oakland forward. Mayor Schaaf will continue to fill out her staff with these key policy positions around her areas of focus:
Holistic Public Safety
Vibrant and Sustainable Infrastructure
Trustworthy and Responsive Government
Equitable Jobs and Housing
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Media Contact:
Erica Terry Derryck
(510) 238-7072
ederryck@oaklandca.gov