Predicting U.S. Transportation Policy Under Future Secretary Foxx

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."