The following is a press release from the City of Santa Monica.
City Manager David White announced that Deputy City Manager Anuj Gupta will step in as the City’s interim director of the Department of Transportation (DOT) beginning August 10, 2023. His appointment comes on the heels of current DOT Director Ed King’s impending retirement, which is slated for August 9, 2023. As interim director, Gupta will manage a team of 472 employees and oversee a $110 million budget.
“I’m confident that Anuj’s proven leadership within our organization will serve him well in this role,” said City Manager David White. “His exceptional policy and legislative affairs experience, including successfully advocating for transportation- and mobility-related legislation and funding, will be an asset to the department as the City continues its innovative transportation and mobility work,” he said.
Gupta has 15 years’ experience as a public servant at both the local and federal levels. He has served as the City’s deputy city manager for the past six years, leading the City’s legislative and intergovernmental advocacy and partnerships work, while managing the City’s communications team to engage and inform the community through the challenges and crises of recent years. Gupta has led several complex interdepartmental policy projects, including the City’s pioneering framework for shared mobility, while playing a crucial leadership role in the City’s economic recovery, homelessness and business engagement initiatives. Prior to joining the City, he worked for the Mayor of Los Angeles, the U.S. Department of Justice, and President Obama’s White House.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to lead DOT during this time of transition,” said Gupta. “Our extraordinary professionals are delivering on their mission to plan, maintain, and operate an accessible, safe, integrated transportation network that advances a more sustainable and equitable future – and I couldn’t be more excited to join the team,” he said.
Gupta lives in Santa Monica with his family and enjoys exploring the city with his young children on Big Blue Bus and in the renowned network of bike lanes.
A nationwide recruitment will begin this summer.
