Predicting U.S. Transportation Policy Under Future Secretary Foxx

Following Monday's announcement by President Obama of his surprise selection to be the next transportation secretary, observers dig deeper into what the American people can expect from federal transportation policy under Anthony Foxx.

2 minute read

April 30, 2013, 2:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Anthony Foxx Announcement

Pete Souza / White House

Below is a roundup of what key observers are saying about Foxx's record, and what his appoinment means for transportation policy during Obama's second term. 

From Ryan Holeywell at Governing:

"Some transportation advocates argue it could be a signal of a renewed commitment to the local role in transportation planning and a continued emphasis on transit and livability initiatives.....But by avoiding an outsized personality with a lengthy transportation record, the president has also ensured a pick who could be more likely to remain in-line."

From Tanya Snyder at DC.Streetsblog:

"One way to interpret Obama’s nomination of a mayor to head U.S. DOT is that he’s casting his lot with cities. In Foxx, he’s selected the chief executive of a southern city that has made significant progress on transit and walkable development the last few years."

From Dan Malouff at Greater Greater Washington:

"If Foxx's experience in Charlotte is any indication, he'll make a strong choice.....The fact that Foxx comes from a major central city is also a huge benefit. It means he understands urban needs, which aren't just highways.....Foxx also knows that state Departments of Transportation can sometimes be part of the problem."

Foxx's mayoralty hasn't been all streetcars and bicycling, though, notes Matt Bevilacqua at Next City

"Despite championing these public transit efforts, Foxx has also come out in favor of highway extensions in his largely transit-starved region. He won the city funding to complete a 60-mile beltway and has supported widening I-85 from six lanes to eight."

Monday, April 29, 2013 in Governing

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today