The business community is applauding a key commission appointment. A longtime business advocate has been tapped by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to serve on the California Transportation Commission (CTC). Bob Tiffany, former San Benito County Supervisor and President of the San Benito County Business Council, replaces Joe Lyou as a state transportation commissioner. Commissioner Tiffany's term runs through January 1, 2028. This news is so hot off the press, the CTC website doesn't even have a photo and biography for Commissioner Tiffany yet. But we've got the scoop for you.
Bob Tiffany is a fourth-generation San Benito County resident with deep business roots. He ran his family's company (the oldest Ford dealer in California!) for 32 years after graduating from Stanford University and earning his MBA from UCLA. He led the San Benito County Business Council since its inception in 2015 and leaned heavily on his business experience while running for a seat on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors.
"I am not a politician. I want nothing more than what is best for our community, and I am committed to helping guide us through the pandemic and the recovery of our local economy," Tiffany wrote in a candidate statement.
Tiffany was elected in November 2020 to represent San Benito County's 4th Supervisorial District. He fought for small businesses during the pandemic, pushed the county to prioritize economic development, and championed commercial and industrial development to help boost sales tax revenue and create jobs.
The voice of business is already well represented on the commission. The new commissioner joins BizFed Central Valley leader Lee Ann Eager and BizFed leader Hilary Norton on the CTC. Lee Ann's tenure as CTC Chair concludes this month. Hilary was first appointed to the CTC by Governor Newsom in September 2019, and was elected to serve as CTC Chair in August 2020 and January 2021.
“I’m looking forward to serving with Commissioner Tiffany. When BizFed met with Speaker Rivas, we heard his positive vision for infrastructure investments, goods movement, and economy recovery loud and clear. It will be exciting to work with Commissioner Tiffany to invest in California’s mobility, along with my CTC colleagues," Hilary said in a statement to BizFed.
The California Transportation Commission has 11 voting members and two non-voting ex-officio members. Of the 11 voting members, nine are appointed by the Governor, one is appointed by the Senate Rules Committee, and one is appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. The two ex-officio non-voting members are appointed from the State Senate and Assembly, usually the respective chairs of the transportation policy committee in each house.
The CTC is responsible for programming and allocating funds for the construction of highway, passenger rail, transit, and active transportation improvements throughout California. The CTC advises and assists the Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency and the Legislature in formulating and evaluating state policies and plans for California’s transportation programs. The CTC is an active participant in the initiation and development of state and federal legislation seeking to secure financial stability for California's transportation needs.We look forward to introducing BizFed members to Commissioner Tiffany. Look out for opportunities to engage in the coming weeks.
Onward!
Tracy Hernandez
BizFed Founding CEO
