City Welcomes New Transportation Director 

Robin Hutcheson brings established expertise, international resume to key post

SALT LAKE CITY – Mayor Ralph Becker and the City’s Community and Economic Development Department are pleased to announce the appointment of Robin Hutcheson as the new director of the Transportation Planning Division. Hutcheson takes over the position from Tim Harpst following his retirement.  

For the past 15 years, Hutcheson has worked as an industry consultant on a broad range of transportation planning projects, including alternative modes development, mobility management and transportation and traffic studies.  She has managed numerous teams to address complex transportation problems and develop solutions.  Hutcheson has also played a key role on several Salt Lake City projects including streetcar development, the Complete Streets initiative and sustainable transportation planning. She has worked on transportation planning projects throughout the western United States as well as in the United Kingdom, France and for the European Union. 

“We’re very lucky to have a transportation expert with Robin’s experience and skill set in this key position,” said Salt Lake City Community and Economic Development Director Frank Gray. “I look forward to both a seamless transition following Tim Harpst’s excellent tenure and an exciting future for the transportation division under Robin’s leadership.”

In her new position Hutcheson will manage programs for  sustainable transportation modes such as bicycle and pedestrian travel and streetcar network development as well as lead evaluations of transportation  issues, traffic operations and parking. As director, she will contribute to  policy development to support Salt Lake City’s livability goals, focusing on key transportation initiatives to improve mobility, access and quality of life.

“Nationwide, Salt Lake City is becoming a progressive transportation leader,” Hutcheson said.  “I am thrilled to be a part of this team and look forward to continuing the work of connecting to our community and the challenge of improving and enhancing City transportation options.”

Prior to joining Salt Lake City, Hutcheson was a senior associate with Fehr & Peers’ Salt Lake City office.  She is the co-founder of the Women’s Transportation Seminar Northern Utah Chapter promoting women in the field of transportation. Hutcheson is an accredited planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners.  

In her free time, Hutcheson is a dedicated skier, cyclist and outdoor enthusiast.

Photograph available on request.