Syracuse Sun

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has appointed Robert Brandt as the new commissioner of the Department of Water. In his new role, Brandt will be responsible for maintaining and upgrading the city’s water infrastructure and overseeing the activities of the Department of Water. His duties will include formulating department policy and programs, budgeting, and capital improvement.

“Rob has committed over 30 years of his life to serving the people of our city,” stated Mayor Walsh. “He’s made a positive impact on the Water Department during the past year. He’s demonstrated excellent leadership abilities and a strong command of the Department’s operations and priorities. Rob’s dedication to public service, extensive knowledge of the Water Department and commitment to our City make him well suited to be commissioner.”

Before this appointment, Brandt served as Interim Commissioner since June 2024, managing day-to-day operations and administrative policies within the department. His previous roles include Deputy Commissioner of Water and Assistant Superintendent of Street Cleaning/Snow and Ice in the Department of Public Works, where he focused on street cleaning, snow removal, ice-clearing operations, safety protocols, and task completion within public works.

Brandt's experience extends beyond municipal roles; he served as a Regional Vice President for AFSCME Council 66 for Syracuse and Central NY area. He holds certifications from UDigNY's Certified Excavator Program (CEP) and participated in New York State Accident Review Committee initiatives. A lifetime resident of Washington Square neighborhood, Brandt brings local insight to his new position.