LTC 296-2025 Appointment of Interim Public Works DirectorMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC #296-2025 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager �
DATE: July 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Appointment of Interim Public Works Director
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC) is to announce the appointment of Phillip Rodney
Knowles as the Interim Public Works Director for the City of Miami Beach. Mr. Knowles brings a
wealth of experience and expertise to this role, having served in various capacities within our City
and Public Works Department since June 2009.
Mr. Knowles's extensive background includes Assistant Public Works Director, where he provides
managerial support, leads inter-departmental projects, and assists in budget preparation. As
Greenspace Division Director, he executed many high-profile projects, implemented goals and
policies that ensured maintenance standards. As well as stabilizing a new Division during its
transition from the Parks Department. While he was a Landscape Projects Coordinator, he
managed capital projects, coordinated landscape plans, and supervised beautification projects.
Mr. Knowles has experience as a Contract Administrator, where he developed contract language,
evaluated proposals, and inspected contractor activities.
Prior to his tenure with the City of Miami Beach, he worked as a Landscape Architect & Urban
Planner at Kimley-Horn and Associates, lnc./Urban Resource Group, where he managed
projects, prepared documents, and coordinated stakeholder engagement. He also served as a
Landscape Architect & Urban Planner at EDSA (Edward D. Stone Jr. & Associates), preparing
drawings and making presentations for resort and theme park projects.
Mr. Knowles comprehensive understanding of departmental operations, proven leadership, and
commitment to excellence make him an ideal candidate to lead our Public Works Department
during this transitional period. I am confident that his leadership will provide the necessary
guidance and support to ensure the continued success of our projects and initiatives in the Public
Works Department now and into the future.
cc:�