Carla Short: Steward of Streets, Champion of Trees

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About this episode

In this episode, host Franco Finn sits down with San Francisco Public Works Director Carla Short for an in‑depth conversation about the people, systems, and stories that keep the city running. From her early years studying and working in West Africa to becoming a Certified Arborist and ultimately leading one of San Francisco’s largest departments, Carla shares how her passion for trees, community engagement, and environmental stewardship has shaped her career. She talks about what Public Works truly handles behind the scenes — from graffiti response and street cleaning to major civic construction projects and urban forestry — and opens up about the pride she feels in the diverse workforce…