Rules Committee advances Jason Elliott and Zahara Mann to California Transportation Commission; senators probe funding, climate resilience and equity

The California State Senate Rules Committee voted 5-0 on March 12 to advance the nominations of Jason Elliott and Zahara Mann to seats on the California Transportation Commission (CTC), sending both appointments to the full Senate for confirmation.

Both nominees described priorities they would bring to the commission. Elliott emphasized integrating transportation planning with housing, economic development and environmental goals and said he would press for recommendations that balance revenue options with cost controls. Mann highlighted community engagement, climate action, sustainability and equitable service for urban, suburban and rural communities.

Why it matters: Senators used the hearing to press nominees on the commission’s role in addressing a multi‑hundred‑billion‑dollar gap in projected transportation needs over the next decade, the slow growth in added lane miles, the rising costs of mitigation and…