Charleston Director of Traffic and Transportation Keith Benjamin last day on the job will be July 16. | Keith Benjamin via Twitter
Charleston Director of Traffic and Transportation Keith Benjamin last day on the job will be July 16. | Keith Benjamin via Twitter
Charleston Director of Traffic and Transportation Keith Benjamin is approaching his final days at the city department he's helmed for four years.
Benjamin announced his departure in an email to City Council members June 7.
In his email, Benjamin wrote he is leaving “for personal reasons” and that he was proud of his team for setting "a new precedent in how transportation is defined in our city and (the) larger region," according to the Charleston City Paper.
“July 16th will be my last day leading the City of Charleston Department of Traffic and Transportation," Benjamin tweeted July 7. "I cannot say enough about the opportunity Mayor @JohnTecklenburg gave me four years ago to not only lead the Department of Traffic and Transportation but represent the city in facing various challenges with equitable mobility, economic development and community engagement."
During his time as director, the city received $18 million in federal funding for a dedicated bike and pedestrian bridge over the Ashley River. The city is currently updating its comprehensive plan, which maps out goals and plans for the next decade.
“I cannot say enough about the opportunity the Mayor gave me four years ago to not only lead the Department of Traffic and Transportation but represent the city in facing various challenges with equitable mobility, economic development and community engagement,” Benjamin told the Charleston City Paper. “It was with both the mayor and council’s openness, as well as the commitment of the over 60 employees in the department that allows us to move the needle in the right direction when it comes to transportation for all and not just some.”
Before being hired in June 2017 by the city, Benjamin worked for the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“Keith Benjamin is a remarkable public servant and has been a great asset to the city of Charleston during his time as director of Traffic and Transportation," Mayor John Tecklenburg told the Charleston City Paper. "While we’re sad to see him go, his outstanding efforts to improve mobility, enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety, and build critical regional partnerships will strengthen our transportation efforts for years to come.”
Moving forward, Benjamin told the Charleston City Paper that he is "staying prayerful and considering options with my family."
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