Bret Hodne, West Des Moines public services director, is retiring on Sept. 8 after working for the city for over 34 years.

Hodne began working for the city as an equipment operator in 1989. Hodne became a supervisor in 1990 and superintendent of public works in 1994. He was named public works director in 2008.

Under Hodne’s leadership, the city rebranded Public Works as Public Services when the department took on added responsibilities that included city code enforcement, parks maintenance, urban forestry, horticulture and animal control, according to a news release.

Hodne has held numerous leadership positions and received awards from both the National and Iowa Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA), including the Iowa APWA Leader of the Year, Chapter Service Award and the Stan Ring Distinguished Service Award. He also received the Donald C. Stone National APWA Award for Excellence in Education and the APWA Top Ten Leader of the Year Award.

An open house celebrating Hodne’s career will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, in the council chambers at City Hall, 4200 Mill Civic Parkway. The public is invited to attend.

Hodne has accepted a position as public works director for Buckeye, Ariz., a Phoenix suburb.