SPOKANE VALLEY, WA—Spokane Valley selected Robert Blegen as the city’s new Public Works Director.
Blegen, who began his new role on January 16, 2025, comes to the City with over 25 years of government experience in infrastructure development, having spent the majority of his career with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Most recently, Blegen served as the Eastern Region assistant regional administrator responsible for WSDOT’s Construction Program. Blegen has extensive engineering and public infrastructure experience and has worked on hundreds of highway design and construction projects in the Eastern Region, most notably the North Spokane Corridor project.
Blegen also served as an active duty and reserve US Army engineer officer from 1994 to 2004, departing as a captain after commanding the 659th Engineer Company, previously based in the Spokane Valley Industrial Park.
"We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Robert as our new Public Works director," said City Manager John Hohman. "His diverse experience in the field and strong connections within our community will undoubtedly enhance our services and drive positive change for Spokane Valley. We look forward to the innovative ideas, collaboration and leadership he will bring to our team."
Blegen holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington, a Professional Engineer License (PE) and multiple additional engineering certifications.
Blegen has lived in the City of Spokane Valley since 1999, prior to the city’s incorporation. His wife is a teacher in the East Valley School District, and they have five children and two grandchildren. Outside of work, the family enjoys snow skiing, ice skating and watersports.
“I am excited to contribute to the delivery of essential services and public infrastructure in the community where we have raised our family and continue to be a part of,” said Director Blegen. “Through this work, I take great pride in contributing to the quality of life for the residents in the City of Spokane Valley.”
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