Caltrans Director Dina L. Tawansi and other agency leaders updated the California Transportation Commission on staffing, policy and program activity at the department during the meeting in San Diego.

Director Tawansi acknowledged the retirement of longtime Caltrans executive Mike Keever after 40 years of service and announced several internal leadership moves, including Dave Amble named acting District 4 director. The department also created a chief data and artificial intelligence officer (CDAO) to lead enterprise data management, AI governance and analytics strategy; Dara Wheeler was named the inaugural CDAO.

Policy updates: Caltrans released a draft directors transit policy for a 30-day public comment period beginning July 18, the department said. The draft policy is intended to provide a framework for integrating public transit on the state highway system, emphasizing flexibility, context-sensitive design and a focus on access for all users. Caltrans said it is developing an implementation action plan and held a statewide workshop to solicit partner input.

AI and innovation: Caltrans described recent work on generative AI pilots and a subsequent implementation phase. Agency staff said the pilots focused on vulnerable road user safety and traffic mobility insights; Caltrans also plans internal pilots to improve knowledge search and efficiency and has created the CDAO role to govern data and AI efforts.

Project delivery and recognition: Director Tawansi said Caltrans closed FY24-25 with an 83% delivery rate for a high-risk portfolio (up from 70%) and reported construction capital delivered last year of about $4.3 billion; the department plans an estimated $5.87 billion in planned construction capital in FY25-26. The department also highlighted several projects that won awards at the regional WTS ceremony.

Public engagement: The director noted the department has opened a 30-day comment period for the transit policy and held a statewide workshop attended by roughly 128 participants. Commissioners asked about transparency and the CDAO role; a member of the public also submitted a written question asking what measurable results should be expected in the first year under the CDAO and what accountability measures will be applied.

No formal action was requested on these informational updates.