There is much speculation among those interested in federal transportation issues whether Secretary Ray LaHood will be resigning from his post as President Obama starts his second term. When he was first appointed, the Secretary stated that he would only serve one term. Yet, he has been notably quiet regarding his plans lately. There is a short list of people being thrown around as possible replacements, including Mayor Villaraigosa of Los Angeles. The mayor has been a very big proponent of transit and is considered someone who would be a front runner for the post, since he is term limited in the next year as mayor. This post will be critical for communities especially as they get further along in implementation of the federal transportation bill, MAP-21.

Summer Minnick is Director of Policy Initiatives and Federal Affairs. She can be reached at 517-908-0301 or [email protected].