Public works director to retire as city advances major water, sewer and street projects

Gary Marks, Dallas’s public works director, told the Public Works Committee he will retire at the end of the fiscal year and urged the city to capture institutional knowledge as it prepares to recruit his replacement.

Marks and committee members said the timing is consequential because several large infrastructure projects are underway or about to move to construction, including a UV upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant, Clay Street reservoir repairs, a multi‑phase Lockrail sewer extension and updates to the city’s water and sewer master plans.

The recruitment discussion began with Councilor Brantos asking committee members what qualities they wanted in the next director; members emphasized strategic vision, grant and funding savvy, collaboration across departments and the ability to delegate. "We're trying to download as much of Gary's brain as we can before he leaves," Councilor Brantos said during the recruitment briefing.

Why it matters: the city is juggling major capital projects and permit steps while preparing to transition leadership. Committee members said…