Idaho Falls mayor appoints new Public Works director pending council approval

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw has appointed Chris Canfield as the city's new Public Works director, pending confirmation by the Idaho Falls City Council.

Canfield has served as the city's interim Public Works director since May 2026 and previously spent 13 years as assistant Public Works director.

“Mr. Canfield brings a clear understanding of the critical role Public Works plays in providing residents with clean water, sanitation, sewer and safe streets,” said Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw. “I appreciate his knowledge of the city, the department organization, as well as his years of experience with federal grant financing.”

An east Idaho native, Canfield has worked on city development and federal aid projects that have supported transportation, water, wastewater and sanitation improvements throughout Idaho Falls.

A graduate from Idaho State University, Canfield worked for JUB Engineers as a construction and spent eight years with the Idaho Transportation Department as a construction and traffic engineer.

If confirmed, Canfield will oversee the department's day-to-day operations, long-term planning and infrastructure priorities, including the city's streets, water systems, sanitation services and other public works projects.

“Public Works plays a vital role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that serves our community for generations,” Canfield said. “It is a privilege to contribute to projects that make a lasting impact on our residents.”

The appointment will be presented to the Idaho Falls City Council at an upcoming meeting. If approved, Canfield will officially assume the role immediately.