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

Bike Project Round-Up: Culver City Better Overland, WeHo Green, and More

WeHo green bike lane color doesn't quite "pop," and protected bikeways coming soon to Santa Monica, Glendale, and Culver City, and more

February 3, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines

ICE, LASD, Metrolink, Joanne Nuckols, bungee cords, Pasadena, Glendale, Terminal Island Freeway, car-nage, and more

February 3, 2026

This Week In Livable Streets

Metro L.A. River path deadline, Transit Equity Day celebrates Rosa Parks, Whittier Narrows ride, Metro Public Safety, and more.

February 2, 2026

Eyes on the Street: WeHo Paints All of its Bike Lanes Green

West Hollywood is installing modest safety improvements on Fairfax Avenue, San Vicente Boulevard, and Santa Monica Boulevard

February 2, 2026

Monday’s Headlines

ICE, Culver City, Waymo, Foothill A Line, World Cup, Transit Equity Day, Norwalk, car-nage, and more

February 2, 2026

Comment on Metro L.A. River Path Project by Monday, February 2

SBLA Editor recommends trimming scope towards a fiscally feasible 8-mile project, not Metro's $1B proposed design

January 30, 2026
See all posts