The City of Philadelphia announced today in a press release that Lily Reynolds has been named the first Director of Federal Infrastructure Strategy for the City’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability (OTIS).

Reynolds will be leading the City’s Infrastructure Solutions Team, a cross-departmental group that will ensure that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) builds wealth for Philadelphians for those previously excluded from opportunity, particularly people of color.

“I believe that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will fund public works projects that can not only work for the public but can put the public to work. These projects are a tremendous opportunity to grow Philadelphia’s workforce by creating new jobs, new expertise, and new wealth in our city,” said Reynolds. 

“Past generations of infrastructure projects have divided Black and Brown neighborhoods from safe transportation options and cut people out of economic opportunity. BIL positions us to build new infrastructure for Philadelphia and invest in Philadelphia workers. Throughout my career and during my time here in Philadelphia, I’ve put community first by listening and learning before leading. We can do things better and I am thrilled to be leading this effort to do just that,” she continued.

Reynolds previously worked as Deputy Director for Complete Streets, overseeing the development of the City’s Vision Zero Capital Plan.

Additionally, she led her staff in implementing transportation safety programming and messaging.

With previous experience with cross-departmental work in Philadelphia — and her previous positions — Reynolds has appropriate experience for improving local government to be fair, responsive, and effective.

“The Biden-Harris Administration and our national leaders understand that when we are talking about the infrastructure that makes up our city, we are talking about more than the roads we travel on or the pipes that deliver clean water to our homes, we are talking about the people who build them,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. 

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help build Philadelphia’s human infrastructure as well as the things made of concrete and steel. Lily Reynolds is going to get all the help we can give her as we rebuild our infrastructure for generations to come,” he continued.

Reynolds holds a background in community engagement and planning, having spent time working in nonprofit and public sectors in Vancouver, British Columbia, Vigo, Spain and Newton, Massachusetts.

Additionally, she has been certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and currently serves on committees for the Philadelphia chapters of the Urban Land Institute and WTS International.