Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
LADOT

New Petition: Mayor Villaraigosa, We Need a National Seach for LADOT GM

Who's going to replace Rita Robinson as head of LADOT?

The question has been a hot one with transportation reformers and other city hall watchers but has failed to gain a lot of traction with the general public.  Maybe it's because the house money is that the new G.M. will be a local hire and not a game changer.  Maybe its because Robinson doesn't have the star power that Janette Sadik-Kahn has in New York or Gabe Klein has in Washington, D.C. and people just don't care who replaces her.

But neither of those reasons are good enough to think that whoever is running the transportation agency for the "largest city, in the biggest state in the most powerful country in the world" couldn't make a major impact, even if the next mayor doesn't bring them back.  For that reason, a group of advocates called Livable Los Angeles have started a petition asking the Mayor to not limit his sites to local talent, but to consider candidates from across the country.

No offense to anyone already laboring at LADOT, but rarely do game changers come from within.

You can read and sign the petition at I-Petition.

(Full disclosure: Yup, I'm part of LLA.)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Eyes on the Street: Santa Monica Bergamot Station Bike/Walk Project Construction

First/last mile project construction is wrapping up - crews are currently resurfacing Pennsylvania Avenue, where the city added new sidewalks

January 8, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines

ICE, Metro D Line subway, SM Blvd construction, Culver City, Santa Clarita, car-nage and more

January 8, 2026

Eyes on the Street: Caltrans Santa Monica Blvd. Construction on the Westside

Caltrans contractor work is underway along Santa Monica Boulevard in the Sawtelle neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles. New bus lanes coming soon.

January 7, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines

ICE, bikes on trains, A Line derailed, Lincoln Heights, NoHo, housing, car theft, parking, car-nage, and more

January 7, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines

Potholes, wildfires, car-free life, Chandler bikeway, South Pasadena freeway fighter, East L.A. walks, car-nage, and more

January 6, 2026
See all posts