PHOENIX, AZ Tom Remes has been appointed by Phoenix, Arizona, City Manager Ed Zuercher as Assistant to the City Manager, a role in which he will serve as Freeway Coordination Manager. Remes will oversee all strategy and aspects of the city's involvement in the State Route Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway project.

"Given the Loop 202 project's importance, timeline and complexity, it's essential that we continue to strategically coordinate work within the city and with the Arizona Department of Transportation, including other key external agencies and partners," said City Manager Ed Zuercher. "With this new position now in place, we are poised to ensure the successful completion of this transportation corridor for our residents and the important economic development opportunity this initiative represents for Phoenix."

Remes brings 20 years of experience working with federal, state, and regional agencies. He has served in management positions in the city's Office of Government Relations for 11 years, the last three years as the director. He has established valuable working relationships with numerous key stakeholders and gained relevant and specialized knowledge and experience as the senior policy planner at Maricopa Association of Governments with the regional freeway program. He also worked on the Red Mountain Freeway implementation team during his tenure in the Mesa City Manager's Office. 

The freeway coordination manager is a new position and was created as part of the city's 2016-17 budget process.

Remes will continue to serve as Government Relations Director until the city fills this position.