Penton’s American City & County magazine has selected Philadelphia’s Deputy Mayor for Transportation and Public Utilities Rina Cutler as its 2011 “Public Works Leader of the Year.” The magazine presents the award annually to recognize outstanding leadership in public works. A profile of Cutler and her contributions to Philadelphia is featured in the September issue of the magazine and is online at www.americancityandcounty.com.

The 2011 Public Works Leader of the Year Award recognizes Cutler’s efforts to improve Philadelphia’s infrastructure, most notably its South Street Bridge, which was in poor condition, but its repair had been mired in politics and neighborhood wrangling for two decades. Because of Cutler’s consensus-building and project management skills, the bridge was completed ahead of schedule last fall.

In addition, Cutler has led expansion of the city’s green infrastructure, including the use of porous pavement on roads to reduce stormwater runoff. The city has successfully increased its recycling rates and added bike lanes to improve accessibility and safety for bicyclists downtown. And, Cutler led improvements at the city’s airport last year, including expanding and renovating two terminals, unveiling a large mural on a parking garage, opening a cell phone parking area, and attracting new service providers.

Cutler’s ability to engage residents and gather support from multiple stakeholders for public works initiatives has been critical to her success. “Deputy Mayor Cutler is another strong example of a local government leader who cuts a path directly through troubled waters to accomplish her goals,” said Bill Wolpin, editorial director of American City & County. “You do not see this type of discipline and focus every day, which is why she is our Public Works Leader of the Year for 2011.”

The subscribers of American City & County submit nominations for the Public Works Leader of the Year Award. The magazine’s editorial staff selects the award’s recipient each year.

American City & County has been the voice of state and local governments since 1909. The magazine serves a nationwide audience of city, county and state officials who are charged with developing and implementing local government policy, programs, and projects. American City & County is published monthly by Penton. For more information about the magazine, visit www.americancityandcounty.com.