“During his 14 years of service, Rich has been a pivotal leader on a variety of issues crucial to Alexandria,” said Young. “He has helped shape the City’s approach, and delivery of services, in areas ranging from transportation infrastructure and engineering to solid waste collection and environmental quality. Rich’s energy and commitment to civic engagement have been remarkable.”
Baier oversees a department that comprises 212 full-time employees and an operating budget of $44.9 million. The City’s accomplishments under Baier’s leadership include adoption of the Eco-City initiative; implementation of the first dedicated bus rapid transitway in Virginia; reduction of neighborhood impacts from the construction of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge; realignment of the Monroe Avenue Bridge; expansion of DASH bus routes and services (including the free King Street Trolley); and the launch of Capital Bikeshare to Alexandria.
Baier also led significant expansion of the City’s solid waste collection programs, which recover valuable resources from trash through recycling, waste-to-energy programs, and hazardous materials diversion. He led the City’s efforts to renegotiate Alexandria’s contract with the Covanta waste-to-energy facility, which provides a sustainable, long-term, low-cost disposal option and which will save the City millions over the coming decades. Since 2003, Alexandria residents and businesses increased their rate of recycling from 25 to 49 percent and embraced new programs such as composting and yard waste collection.
Baier led T&ES to national accreditation for the first time in 2006, with reaccreditation in 2010 and 2014. In 2009, Baier also served as interim director of the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities.
Baier is returning to Florida, where he previously served as public works administrator for the city of Clearwater, and in several positions in the Florida Department of Transportation.
“Alexandria is a special place, and I’ve been proud to serve this community,” said Baier. “While I look forward to new opportunities and relocating closer to my family, the people of my department and the community we serve have also become like family to me. I’ll miss my colleagues and customers here very much.”
The City will launch a nationwide search for a new director, and an acting director will be announced by the City Manager at a later time.
For media inquiries, contact Craig Fifer, Acting Director of Communications and Public Information, at 703.746.3965 or craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov
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