Longtime Walnut Creek Employee Selected As Public Works Director

WALNUT CREEK, CA — A new public works director started earlier this month in Walnut Creek and is no stranger to the city.

His name is Rich Payne, and most recently, he served as public works manager and interim assistant public works director.e

City Manager Dan Buckshi has now selected Payne as the director on a permanent ao;.

"I have worked with Rich for several years, and found him to be a strong leader," Buckshi said. "He has helped to develop a proactive team that works hard on behalf of the residents of Walnut Creek."

/In his new role, Payne will lead a team of more than 100 employees who work in various positions providing community services.

The Public Works Department often works behind the scenes. It provides engineering services, maintains parks, open spaces and public facilities; manages traffic operations, and is responsible for streets and drainage throughout Walnut Creek. Public Works is also responsible for clearing debris during storms.

Payne's new position was effective Sept. 16 and could not come soon enough.

"Our department has major projects underway," Payne said. "It’s gratifying to know that our team is up to the task, and responsive to residents’ needs."

Payne must be doing something right because he was recognized earlier this year for his for his leadership when he was named the American Public Works Association Northern California Chapter Leader of the Year.

Payne began his career in construction, founding his own company before transitioning 25 years ago to the public sector. He initially worked for the City of Benicia before he joined the City of Walnut Creek in 1999.

Payne replaced former director Heather Ballenger, who recently retired.

In 2023, the salary range for the Walnut Creek public works director was $188,000-$260,000; Ballenger was earning at the top of the range at the time of her departure. It was not clear what Payne's starting salary was. The range in 2023 for the assistant public works director was $157,000 -$219,000.