Press

Lauren has long been fascinated by the intersection of design and construction. As a registered professional engineer with over 20 years of experience, she has led heavy civil infrastructure projects, billion-dollar capital programs, and transformative transportation initiatives.

Lauren currently serves as the Director of Transportation and Public Works, where she helps shape the city’s infrastructure to meet the needs of a dynamic and rapidly growing population.

How has Fort Worth changed over the last 5–10 years in ways that influence how transportation projects are prioritized?

Over the past decade, we’ve adopted a data-driven approach that allows us to clearly assess the health and needs of our transportation network—something that wasn’t possible ten years ago. A key milestone was the introduction of our PayGo program in 2016, which provides reliable and recurring funding for maintenance. In tandem with our four-year bond program, we’re not only building out our transportation network but also investing in regional priorities like the Lancaster Avenue corridor and Eastside planning initiatives.

Where do you see transportation infrastructure evolving in the next 5, 10, or 20 years—locally and across North Texas?

There’s a growing appetite for innovative solutions. As we build out the network over the next two decades, we’ll need to optimize our infrastructure using modern design, technology, and multimodal options. Our goal is a right-sized, sustainable system. With the rapid pace of transportation tech, it’s essential to invest strategically to maximize impact—especially in areas like safety and congestion relief. I’m especially excited about how contemporary design can help create safer, more connected, and more livable communities.

Is there a city or region that inspires your vision for Fort Worth’s transportation future?

I grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and I see many similarities between that region and where our metroplex is today. With the pace of growth we’re experiencing, we have a unique opportunity to think differently about how we move both people and freight. Fort Worth is at a pivotal point. Initiatives like Moving a Million, Access Butler Place, and Connecting the Core are laying the groundwork for a more livable, sustainable, and connected future.

What do you think matters most to Fort Worth residents when it comes to city services?

Our biennial citizen survey consistently highlights Police, Fire, and Transportation and Public Works as top priorities. Our residents value safety, reliable infrastructure, and maintaining the high quality of life that drew them to Fort Worth in the first place.