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Cincinnati council honors Department of Public Services and director Mark Riley for January snow response
Summary
Council unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing Director Mark Riley and the Department of Public Services for proactive preparations and clearing streets after the January 2026 snowstorm, citing pretreatment of roadways, staging equipment and rapid clearance of streets; council members praised staff and coordinated response.
Cincinnati City Council on Feb. 27 adopted a resolution recognizing Mark Riley and the Department of Public Services for their response to a major January 2026 snowstorm, crediting the department with pretreating roadways, staging equipment and extended shifts that cleared much of the city within days.
Council member Mark Walsh introduced the resolution, which described the storm as the city’s heaviest single‑day snowfall since 2010 and credited Department of Public Services crews with priority routing to maintain emergency access and clear neighborhood streets. Director Riley accepted the recognition and thanked staff and partnering departments for coordination. Several council members — including the vice mayor, Jeffries, Nolan and Owens — praised the department’s use of technology, pre‑staging of more than 60 trucks and operations that they said achieved rapid clearance; one council member cited a claim that 95% of streets were cleared within 36 hours.
Why it matters: Public works operations during extreme weather affect safety and access for residents and emergency services. Council’s formal recognition highlights operational changes since a prior storm and signals continued investment in equipment and coordination.
Outcome: Council adopted the recognition by unanimous roll‑call vote and invited staff for a photo in the foyer.
Ending: The resolution is ceremonial recognition; council members said they will continue oversight of winter operations and review performance in future budget and operations discussions.
