Joaquin Siques Selected as City of Pasadena Department of Transportation Director

City Manager Miguel Márquez has announced the appointment of Joaquin Siques as director of the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT), following a nationwide recruitment.

Mr. Siques began his career with the City of Pasadena Department of Transportation almost 20-years ago and has advanced through engineering classifications to the position of Deputy Director of Transportation in 2020. During this time, he played a critical role in implementing dozens of projects and programs, including securing the Caltrans relinquishment of the 710 freeway stub, implementing on-street dining and “Slow Streets” programs during the Covid-19 pandemic, and securing millions in grant funding for transportation projects. He brings a balanced approach to improving the safety and efficiency of the movement of people within the City, creating a sustainable and equitable transportation system, with a focus on the system’s most vulnerable road users. Joaquin also serves as the Executive Director of the Arroyo Verdugo Joint Powers Authority, with the member cities of South Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, La Canada Flintridge, and the County of Los Angeles. Prior to his employment with Pasadena, Mr. Siques spent five years in the private sector.
“Joaquin combines an engineering background with a passion for safety and a commitment to provide open channels of communication to continue to improve the transportation network for all transit users in Pasadena,” states City Manager Márquez.

“My vision for Pasadena builds on the progress made over the past two decades in enhancing safety for all road users, prioritizing sustainability and equity, implementing technology-based programs, promoting innovation, and ensuring communication with Pasadena residents and businesses while providing data driven solutions. The City has a great team in place, and the staff in the Department of Transportation work tirelessly to achieve the City’s vision, providing mobility solutions for residents and businesses. I am honored to have been selected for this position and I am grateful for the support from my City colleagues and my family,” adds Siques.

Born in Santiago, Chile, Joaquin immigrated to California as a young boy, grew up in Palmdale, CA and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Southern California and a Master’s Degree in Transportation Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. While at USC he met his wife, a registered pediatrics nurse. They are the proud parents of Jayden, a high school senior. When not working, Joaquin enjoys the outdoors, from walking his two dogs, to going on hikes, cycling and running through the streets of Pasadena and Glendale.

About the Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation is made up of five divisions: Transit, Parking, Multimodal Planning, Mobility Engineering and Operations, and Administration. With 56 employees, the Department has an annual operating budget of $44 million and implements a Capital Improvement Program of over $230 million to pursue the City’s vision of creating a city where people can circulate without cars.

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