District of Columbia Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser announced Friday that outgoing Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells will join her administration as the director of the District Department of the Environment.  

“Making D.C. a cleaner, more environmentally friendly city isn’t just a health issue — it’s an economic issue,” Wells said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the Mayor-elect to create greater economic opportunities for more Washingtonians while also preserving our city’s environment for generations to come.” In his new position, Wells will oversee 300 employees who work to establish sustainable and environmentally friendly policies for the District, conserve natural resources, and curb pollution. DDOE incorporates a broad spectrum of employees, including policy analysts, engineers, biologists and geologists, among others.  

Wells, who represents the Capitol Hill area, lost to Bowser in the Democratic mayoral primary. His former chief of staff Charles Allen will replace him on the council. After his defeat, Wells told CQ Roll that he did not have any plans to leave D.C. and was hoping to continue in public service.  

“I would love the opportunity to continue to work with both Washington and other cities in the country to continue thinking through how to make cities healthy, sustainable and first choices for where you want to live,” Wells said at the time.  

With his new appointment, Wells has the opportunity to do just that.  

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