Christof Spieler Selected as Madison’s Director of Transportation

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway is pleased to announce the appointment of Christof Spieler as the City of Madison’s new Director of Transportation. Spieler has extensive experience in transportation and urban planning. He’s worked with cities across the country, including Albuquerque, Boston, Houston, Dallas, and Philadelphia on reimagining and improving bus and rail networks, street design, and highway planning. He currently serves as Vice President and Director of Planning at the consulting firm Huitt-Zollars in Houston and is a Senior Lecturer at Rice University.  

As head of the City’s Department of Transportation, Spieler will have a unique opportunity to work with policymakers to shape transportation planning, policy and implementation for Madison. The Department includes the Traffic Engineering Division, Metro Transit, and the Parking Division. 

 “I’m thrilled that Christof is bringing his impressive skillset and experience to the Transportation Division. Madison’s urban character and unique geography require an innovative approach to how residents move around our city,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. 

Spieler holds a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from Rice University. He’s a Professional Engineer, a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and LEED Accredited Professional. His book, “Trains, Buses, People: An Opinionated Atlas of US and Canadian Transit,” is in its second edition, and a new book on the geometry of urban transportation will be published next year. Spieler has spoken and written extensively on transportation, urban planning, and sustainability. 

“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to direct Madison’s transportation work,” said Spieler. “I look forward to bringing the skills and experience I’ve developed to a role where we can make sure cars, pedestrians, bikes, and buses all work together, and to have the opportunity to turn master plans into projects that make peoples’ lives better every day. I’m excited about working with the community, a talented team, and committed leadership in a dynamic, growing city.” 

Spieler’s first day at the City will be July 21.