The US brought in its 17th Secretary of Transportation months after Ray LaHood announced his plans to vacate the seat. Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx was sworn in as DOT Secretary on July 2, and had been confirmed in a unanimous 100-0 vote in the US Senate on June 27. Foxx will continue to focus on safety and will also work on enhancing the efficiency and performance of the nation’s current transportation system along with adding to the infrastructure for future generations.
Foxx had served as the mayor of Charlotte, NC, from 2009 to 2013. He played a key role in making efficient and innovative transportation investments; it served as the centerpiece for the city’s job creation and economic recovery efforts. Foxx had served in the city council prior to becoming mayor, and had chaired the Transportation Committee. He was part of the Charlotte extending its LYNX light rail system, the expansion of Douglas International Airport, and the startup of the Charlotte Streetcar project.