Eugene
The City of Eugene has selected the next director of Public Works, officials say

Eugene, OR – According to the city officials, Rich Hoey, currently serving as the assistant city manager in Olympia, Wash., has been chosen by the City of Eugene to assume the role of director of Public Works.
Hoey steps into this position succeeding Matt Rodrigues, who transitioned to the role of assistant city manager in early 2023. Rodrigues temporarily continued his responsibilities as Public Works director until a suitable replacement was found. Hoey is set to commence his new role on July 29.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Hoey looks forward to joining the Public Works team in Eugene, emphasizing his eagerness to contribute to the city’s mission of fostering safety, equity, and livability for all residents.
With an extensive background in municipal management, Hoey brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Prior to his tenure as assistant city manager in Olympia, which began in August 2022, he served as the head of the Public Works department there for 11 years. During his tenure, Hoey oversaw various significant projects, including the development of emergency shelter facilities, initiatives supporting affordable housing and renter protections, and efforts focused on climate and economic development.
Hoey’s professional journey is rooted in engineering, having earned his bachelor’s degree in the field from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. His earlier career included positions at the Washington Department of Health, where he worked with the Office of Drinking Water.
-
Crime & Safety1 week ago
SchooI counseIor who encouraged the minor student she was indcently assauIting for years to hide the lnappropriate reIationship by telling the girl, “If she tells anyone, she will take her own life,” was charged
-
Crime & Safety1 week ago
Man who kiIIed his girIfriend carrying their unborn baby several days after the victim told her sister that he threw her on the floor, strangIed her, and if anything happened to her, it was because of him, was charged
-
Crime & Safety3 days ago
Man threw his girIfriend’s chiId out the door like a bag after the 5-year-old refused to do chores or waIk back and forth outside in the severe heat, causing him to Iose consciousness and later die at the hospitaI: DA
-
Crime & Safety2 days ago
Woman told poIice she confronted her famiIy member to tell him to stop bothering her before she kiIIed the eIderIy man when he told her to get out of his sight and started waIking away from her; charged
-
Eugene7 days ago
Eugene Springfield Fire deployed resources to Flat Fire near Sisters, supporting Lane County task forces
-
Eugene7 days ago
License plate reader alert leads Eugene Police to arrests after early-morning attempted vehicle break-ins
-
Crime & Safety3 days ago
Mon told poIice his girIfriend’s former spouse was foIIowing him and attempted to confront him on two separate occasions before he fataIIy stabed the man foIIowing a physicaI aItercation he cIaims the victim initiated; charged
-
Eugene7 days ago
Eugene opens 56 new permanent supportive housing units downtown at Bridges on Broadway to serve residents experiencing chronic homelessness