Transit California sat down with Dina El-Tawansy, Director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
Transit California: In July 2025, you were sworn in as the Director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), a department with a $20 billion budget and 22,000 employees. What are some ongoing and new initiatives you most look forward to leading in the coming years?
One of my main goals is to continue to move our department toward a truly people-first agency — one that prioritizes authentic community engagement, actively listening, uplifting, and responding to the voices of underserved communities. I believe we have a responsibility to ensure their needs are not only heard but meaningfully addressed. I'm also deeply committed to strengthening active and multimodal transportation – pedestrian and bike paths and transit - which I see as essential to building a more equitable and sustainable future. I’m very proud of Caltrans team for leading the way in this space. As the former Bay Area district director, I led a staff that provided a powerful example of what forward-thinking, community-centered transportation planning can look like.
Transit California: You have served Caltrans for nearly 3 decades, both at the department’s headquarters and in district offices, including in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Orange County. How does this broad range of experience inform your leadership?
My career has given me a broad perspective shaped by working in a variety of diverse regions. I’ve had the opportunity to serve in maintenance, project delivery, planning and modal, and traffic operations, which has helped me become well-rounded and deeply aware of both state and organization’s needs. As I’ve worked my way up through different roles and assignments, I’ve learned to speak the unique “languages” of each division — whether I’m collaborating with engineers, planners or maintenance crews. I’ve also come to understand the distinct challenges each region faces, like the Bay Area’s focus on resiliency compared to the very different landscape in Orange County.
Transit California: Caltrans supports California’s 200+ local and regional transit agencies. How do you ensure that the Department hears and responds to the voices of these agencies, which serve diverse communities and geographic regions?
Partnership is key! Caltrans is currently assessing the transit needs across the state, and in the fall, will be launching a digital tool to gather feedback from transit agencies about their local and regional transit priorities. Additionally, feedback will be collected through regional focus groups and one-on-one interviews. The information obtained will help shape each District Transit Plan and allow transit agencies to highlight their key priorities. It will also help us identify data gaps and needs and enable Caltrans to work closely with agencies to address these areas effectively. Having a plan for each district allows Caltrans to address the diverse needs of communities and regions across the state, especially the needs of underserved communities.
Transit California: Caltrans recently released the draft Director’s Policy on Transit, which will guide the department’s commitment to supporting public transit on the State Highway System. What led to the development of this policy, and what are some of the issues you are prioritizing in the policy?
Since 2020, the Caltrans Strategic Plan has included a climate action goal, with improving transit as a key focus area. The Director’s Policy on Transit outlines a long-shared Caltrans goal and vision to enhance transit service. The policy was informed by the Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI), Director’s Policy 37 on Complete Streets, and Senate Bill 960 (Wiener, 2024) and will emphasize incorporating public transit features within the state highway system where feasible, improving first- and last-mile connections, supporting transit agencies by establishing design standards and guidance, and developing a new project intake process for encroachment permits.
Transit California: What is the process for finalizing the Policy on Transit, and how should transit agencies and other interested parties engage with Caltrans on the details of the plan?
Caltrans is currently reviewing public feedback. We will then finalize the policy through internal processes and prepare it for executive approval. The final policy is expected to be released in December 2025. Once released, we encourage ongoing engagement in shaping the implementation of the policy. Caltrans will offer additional opportunities through workshops, presentations, and online platforms for stakeholders to contribute to the development of action items that will operationalize the policy.
Transit California: In July, Caltrans announced the award of $26 million in local transit grants for sustainable planning transportation projects. How are these grants fulfilling Caltrans’ mission to improve climate resilience and helping under-resourced communities?
The FY 2022-23 state budget includes a significant investment in clean transportation, with Governor Gavin Newsom allocating $15 billion to the initiative. As part of this effort, Senate Bill 198 provides a one-time funding of $50 million dedicated to Climate Adaptation Planning, which will be integrated into the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant program. Past grants in this area have funded projects that address climate resilience challenges such as rising sea levels, flooding, and coastal erosion, particularly at vulnerable locations. The program aims to ensure that at least half of its awards go to under-resourced communities — a goal it consistently surpasses. The application guide offers helpful resources to help applicants develop proposals that specifically benefit under-resourced groups, including Native American Tribal Governments. Public engagement, especially with under-resourced communities, is a key element of any Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant. Applicants are required to outline how they will involve these communities and stakeholders in their planning efforts.
Transit California: You are the fourth woman to have been appointed to serve as Director of Caltrans in the history of the Department. What would you say to other women aspiring to reach the C-suite in transportation?
This is a deeply meaningful milestone for me — not just professionally, but personally. When I stepped into the role, I was overwhelmed by the number of women, especially women of color, who reached out to share how inspired and proud they felt to see me at the helm. I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for appointing me, because I realized that my presence in this position represented something far bigger than myself — it showed that it’s truly possible for women to rise to the top.