The city of Goodyear announced Friday the selection of Phoenix transportation expert Kini Knudson as the new deputy city manager.

Knudson comes from a civil engineering and public transit background, where he served as the director of street transportation in the city of Phoenix. He has more than 23 years of experience in local government and holds an master's of business administration from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Arizona.

"I feel incredibly blessed to be joining the Goodyear team. Goodyear has been on an amazing growth trajectory, and the city has some unique opportunities and challenges as it continues to grow," Knudson said in a statement. "I am looking forward to helping the city address those challenges so that Goodyear can continue to provide exceptional services to its residents, businesses and visitors."

Knudson was responsible for the day-to-day management of Phoenix’s nearly 5,000-mile street network. He brings knowledge in attaining federal grant money with some $50 million collected.

His involvement in the city’s approach to road safety is notable in his work. By planning and adopting the Federal Highway Administration Safe Systems approach, he positioned Phoenix to receive federal grants through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, earmarks millions to cities across the nation for programs to reduce rising pedestrian deaths.

In 2022, Phoenix adopted a Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan, which he was a part of. The program earmarks $10 million in annual funding for road safety.

The Vision Zero program seeks to increase meaningful collaboration among local traffic planners, engineers, policymakers and public health professionals by implementing best practices in roadway design, speeds, behaviors, technology, and policies.

The stated goal of Vision Zero is to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all.

Goodyear has had its share of traffic incidents and congestion.

In February, a pickup driver plowed through a cycling group at 45 mph on a rural bridge in Goodyear. The driver, Pedro Quintana-Lujan, killed two and injured 19. The driver was driving the speed limit, according to the preliminary National Transportation Safety Board report.