Yesterday, City Manager David White announced that the “nation wide search” for a new head of the Santa Monica Department of Transportation had concluded and that interim director Anuj Gupta would continue at the job permanently. Before taking over at the SMDOT, Gupta had served Santa Monica as the deputy city manager and in the administration of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. Gupta succeeds Ed King who retired earlier this year.
“Anuj brings a wealth of experience to the table and proven track record of leadership and collaboration,” said White in a statement. “I am confident he can build upon the strong foundation of the department to cultivate innovative, accessible, safe and sustainable mobility options.”
The Department has a large staff and budget due in large part to overseeing the Big Blue Bus fleet in addition to traditional DOT roles. Gupta oversees a department with 470 employees and a budget of over $110 million annually.
According to a press release when Gupta was announced as the interim director in July, “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.”
