Next month, the seven members of the newly formed Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) governing board will convene in the agency’s West Loop boardroom. A key initial task will be electing a new chair.
Lester Barclay, who has led the current CTA board since his appointment by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot five years ago, has expressed a willingness to continue in a leadership role. He stated, “If asked, I wouldn’t mind serving. But I think that’s up to the board. I respect the process.”
This transition is part of extensive governance reforms required by state transit funding legislation. These reforms centralize authority and introduce over $1 billion in annual public transit funding. On September 1, the terms of current board members will end, and new appointees will assume their roles, creating a dynamic political environment.
Barclay, seen by some as a traditionalist figure amid calls for change, is appointed to both the CTA and the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA). Mayor Brandon Johnson supports this dual role.
Barclay’s leadership faced criticism during the appointment process from advocates who questioned his stance on transit reforms and his association with former CTA President Dorval Carter Jr. Despite the challenges, Barclay secured his position on both boards, though his confirmation was contentious.
Transit advocates are pushing for fresh leadership. Kyle Lucas from Better Streets Chicago argues for new approaches to transit management, highlighting the need for leadership that aligns with legislative mandates to develop a better transit system.
The mandate of the transit reform legislation is to start new, to turn a new page and build the kind of transit system that riders want and that Chicagoans deserve.
Some, like Ald. Matt Martin, advocate for leadership with deep transportation expertise and the ability to unite stakeholders. Others, such as Juan Sebastian Arias of Elevated Chicago, recognize the value of combining experience with fresh perspectives.
The new CTA board will play a crucial, albeit less powerful, role in oversight due to increased accountability measures. Its members’ salaries will range from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on dual board service.
Incoming board members include familiar faces like Michael Eaddy and Neema Jha, and newcomers such as Nedra Sims Fears and Ann Kalayil. Tom Kotarac, a prominent figure in the NITA transition, will also join the board.
The selection of the next Chicago Transit Board chair requires a majority board decision and Illinois Senate approval. This vote will occur following NITA’s leader selection on September 10.
State Sen. Ram Villivalam emphasized a desire for leadership committed to accountability and robust transit service. Barclay, despite past op-eds questioning reform impacts, emphasized his support for regional coordination.
Critics have targeted Barclay for infrequent CTA usage. He attributed limited ridership, partially due to recognition as board chair allowing access without fare gates, and personal scheduling constraints. He claims weekly CTA use.
Barclay’s work history includes legal counsel for the CTA and CTA summer jobs, defending his transit expertise despite critique. Under his chairmanship, the CTA saw leadership transitions resulting in improved agency relations.
Decisions regarding permanent CTA leadership will now require NITA input. Barclay remains open to considering candidates from both inside and outside Illinois.
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