Charlotte mayor named secretary of transportation

Anthony Foxx, mayor of Charlotte, N.C., was sworn in as the nation’s 17th secretary of transportation during a private ceremony at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) headquarters. Foxx was confirmed for the position in a unanimous U.S. Senate vote.

“Safety will remain our top priority at DOT,” Foxx wrote in a message to DOT employees. “At the same time, I will work to improve the efficiency and performance of our current transportation system while building the infrastructure we need for future generations.”

Before taking the position, Foxx served Charlotte as mayor for four years. According to a press release, he made transportation investments the centerpiece of Charlotte’s job creation and economic recovery efforts. The investments included extending the LYNX light-rail system, expanding Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and starting the Charlotte Streetcar project.

Photo: Anthony Foxx