Baltimore DPW Deputy Director Richard Luna to Depart

Richard Luna, the Deputy Director of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW), is set to leave his position on October 3, 2024, following a tumultuous summer for the agency marked by safety concerns and the tragic death of sanitation worker Ronald Silver II due to overheating. Luna joined DPW in 2022 and served as interim director until March 2024, with Mayor Brandon Scott expressing gratitude for his leadership during a critical period. The department has faced scrutiny over unsafe working conditions, prompting the city to hire an outside law firm to review its safety policies in light of Silver's death. Additionally, the Inspector General's reports have called for immediate reforms to address these issues. Despite the challenges, Luna's departure is described as a personal decision, not tied to his performance. His exit leaves uncertainty about the future leadership and ongoing issues within the DPW.