San Jose appoints new public works director

San Jose officials announced Tuesday that Matthew Cano has been appointed as the city’s new director of the Department of Public Works.

City Manager David Sykes appointed Cano, who most recently was assistant director of the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department and has a long-spanning career with the city that began in 1999, San Jose officials said.

As assistant director of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, Cano also acted as the chief operating officer for the department, which has a $97 million budget and more than 600 employees.

The city’s Public Works Department has a $159 million budget and more than 500 employees, according to city officials.

Cano has a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering, both from Stanford University, as well as a master’s degree in public administration from San Jose State University, city officials said.

Sykes said in a statement:

“I’ve known Matt for several years and hired him into the city manager’s office during our decade of investment. … Matt provides a great blend of engineering, project and program delivery and administrative expertise. He is articulate, collaborative and deeply committed to the city of San Jose.”

Mayor Sam Liccardo also endorsed Cano, stating that he has proven himself as a capable leader in serving the city he was raised in.

Cano said in a statement that he “loves the city for what it is today and what it has the opportunity to be tomorrow.”