There were two candidates for the positions of county engineer and director of public works in Bexar County: the leader of a multinational engineering consultancy firm’s San Antonio office and a longtime county employee who is now the department’s acting director.
Following a Tuesday executive session discussion of the two candidates, the Bexar County Commissioners unanimously decided to make Art Reinhardt, the local business lead for the consulting firm WSP, an offer.
The University of Texas alumnus worked for the City of San Antonio’s Public Works Department for seven years prior to joining WSP, where she oversaw capital projects and transportation as an assistant division director and interim deputy director.
Developer Paul Basaldua, who was on the county’s selection committee for the position, said of Art, “He brings really great experience from his background and his experience, both private and public sector.”
Renee Green, a former county engineer and director of public works, served in that capacity for 17 years before retiring in May 2023.
The county put together a committee of commissioners and business leaders last year with experience in the two main areas of the job—public works, which oversees projects funded by the government, and development services, which authorizes plans and plats for private developments within the county’s extraterritorial jurisdiction—to select a replacement.
“Art is aware of the difficulties that may arise due to the rapid development taking place in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. He is aware that the department of development services will require funding and support. Additionally, he is a man who is aware of the political environment, according to Basaldua.
