Terrance Davis will lead Berkeley’s Public Works Department beginning April 15, filling a role that has been vacant since last November.
Davis is currently assistant city manager in Vallejo and also served as the city’s public works director for four years, in addition to roles in Sacramento and Compton. Davis replaces Liam Garland, who resigned from the position in November after three years.
Davis will be paid $260,000 in the position, according to a Berkeley City Council memo, and tasked with overseeing a $189 million budget and 350 employees. The public works department maintains the city’s streets, sewers, pipes, public buildings, infrastructure and waste disposal.
He told the Vallejo Sun on Thursday that he’s proud of his work in that city, but that it was in the best interest of his family to take the new job in Berkeley.
“I have truly enjoyed the past 7 years serving Vallejo,” he told the Sun. “I was afforded an opportunity to work with hard working local government professionals who care about the city, and developed many positive relationships with community members and organizations.”
Berkeley’s Public Works department receives more referrals than any other city office, a city analysis showed. This year, Berkeley voters will also decide between two dueling ballot measures that determine spending for street safety infrastructure.
Garland received a salary of $230,000 in 2022, according to the Transparent California database.
The Berkeley City Council approved Davis’ appointment at its Tuesday meeting.
