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Denver Transportation Director Amy Ford to Depart

Ford will leave her post as DOTI executive director on December 4, with Cindy Patton serving as interim director while the city searches for a permanent replacement.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a wide street with parallel lane striping and a concrete curb-extension narrowing one lane, evoking city transportation redesign.
Denver Transportation and Infrastructure Director Amy Ford will step down December 4, with Cindy Patton serving as interim director while the city searches for a replacement. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Amy Ford will step down as executive director of the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure on December 4, 2026, after serving in the role since 2023. Cindy Patton will serve as interim director while the city seeks a permanent successor.

Why it matters

The departure comes after a period of controversy over DOTI's Alameda Avenue lane plan, which drew complaints, a resignation from the transportation advisory board, and a formal protest letter from a majority of the City Council. The announcement did not cite a reason for Ford's exit.

Ford has led DOTI for about three years, and her final day is December 4, 2026. The city has not said who will take over permanently after interim director Cindy Patton.

The players

Amy Ford

Amy Ford is the executive director of the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, appointed by Mayor Mike Johnston.

Cindy Patton

Cindy Patton is a Denver city official who will serve as interim director of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Mike Johnston

Mike Johnston is the mayor of Denver, who appointed Amy Ford to lead the city's transportation department.

Jill Anschutz

Jill Anschutz is a Denver resident whose complaints prompted the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure to change its Alameda Avenue lane plan.

The details

DOTI backtracked on a plan to eliminate one lane on a 10-block section of Alameda Avenue between Pearl and Franklin streets after receiving complaints from Jill Anschutz, and later said it would convert some lanes to turn pockets instead. The department has also been cited for completing the 16th Street mall renovation and the first phase of East Colfax bus rapid transit, while The Denver Post reported in March that DOTI lost key employees.

Timeline

  1. 2023: Ford became DOTI executive director.

  2. March 2026: The Denver Post reported DOTI had lost key employees.

  3. November 2026: Ford's departure was announced.

  4. December 4, 2026: Ford's last day as director.

Leadership Trajectory

Ford's exit follows DOTI's reversal of its Alameda Avenue lane elimination after complaints from Jill Anschutz and a formal City Council protest letter. It also comes after The Denver Post reported in March that the department had lost key employees.

Residents who use Denver's streets and transit projects may see changes in department direction under interim leadership. The timing of a permanent appointment has not been announced.

The takeaway

Leadership transitions at city agencies can shape how long-running projects move forward, so residents should watch for the permanent DOTI director appointment and any changes to pending street and transit plans.

What happens next

A permanent DOTI director is expected to be named after the interim period begins, though no date has been set.

Further reading

For more on city leadership changes, see the Business People section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Denver Post.

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