On October 20th, 2022, WTS-LA hosted an in-person luncheon featuring Caltrans Director Tony Tavares as guest speaker. During his presentation, Director Tavares briefed attendees on the 2050 California Transportation Plan, highlighting Caltrans' efforts to address climate issues, increase transportation equity, create safer roadways, and establish more sustainable communities throughout the state. He spoke about the "Clean California" initiative, a $1.2 billion program led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and engage communities to transform public spaces into cleaner and greener spaces, further bolstering Caltrans' promise of equity progress.

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Director Tavares answered questions from the attendees regarding California's power grid, providing connectivity to disadvantaged communities. He also spoke to Caltrans' response declaring an emergency need for rail track stabilization for OCTA-owned San Clemente tracks and approving subsequent funding for the project. During his closing comments, he shared a message about equity, recognizing that women in transportation face institutional barriers. Therefore, the work of WTS-LA is vital both to recognize women's contributions and celebrate their achievements.

Although California's path toward a more safe, sustainable, and accessible transportation system may be difficult, we have unprecedented access to technological innovation, transformative policies, a historic infrastructure bill, and the collective determination required to address California's most pressing challenges.

Recently appointed as the 34th Director of Caltrans in June 2022, Tavares manages a $20 billion transportation budget employing over 22,000 individuals. Also in attendance were members of Director Tavares' leadership team, including Gloria Roberts, Chief Deputy District Director (Caltrans District 7), and CEO of Metrolink, Darren Kettle. Thank you to Tony Tavares, Caltrans, and event sponsor, AECOM, for your continued support of WTS-LA.

See more photos here.