Overview

Anthony Renard Foxx (born April 30, 1971) is an American politician and public official who served as the United States Secretary of Transportation from 2013 to 2017. Before joining the federal cabinet he was the mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina, from 2009 until his nomination to the cabinet. President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Foxx on April 29, 2013, and the Senate confirmed him by a 100–0 vote on June 27, 2013.

Early life and career

Foxx was born and raised in Charlotte. He completed undergraduate studies and later earned a law degree, then worked in private practice and in local government roles. His early public-service work and legal experience helped shape a focus on urban development, economic opportunity, and the ways transportation policy intersects with local growth.

Mayor of Charlotte

As mayor, Foxx emphasized economic development, public safety, and expanding the city’s transportation options. His administration sought to balance neighborhood needs with a growing downtown economy, and it supported investments in transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and initiatives intended to make Charlotte more competitive for jobs and private investment.

Secretary of Transportation (2013–2017)

At the U.S. Department of Transportation, Foxx oversaw federal transportation agencies and programs during a period of technological change and fiscal negotiation. He pushed for modernizing infrastructure, improving roadway and transit safety, and expanding access to transportation for underserved communities. His tenure included work on autonomous vehicle guidance, the Smart City Challenge to encourage urban innovation in transportation, and implementation of congressional transportation legislation passed during the Obama administration.

Later career and impact

After leaving the cabinet, Foxx moved to roles in the private and nonprofit sectors focused on transportation, technology and policy, including a senior position with a major ridesharing company and engagements advising on urban mobility. He is recognized for advocating equity in transportation planning, for promoting new mobility technologies responsibly, and for highlighting the link between transportation investment and economic opportunity.

Notable facts and legacy

  • Held two principal elected or appointed roles: mayor of Charlotte and U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
  • Confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate in 2013.
  • Advocated federal engagement with autonomous vehicle testing and with smart-city technology pilots.
  • Emphasized safety, access, and equity as central themes of transportation policy.

For additional context on his public service and policies, see official biographies and transportation policy summaries available from government and academic sources. Further reading and contemporary news coverage document program details and post-government activities.

Charlotte, North Carolina, remained a frequent reference point in discussions of his local-to-federal career arc, and his nomination by President Obama and confirmation by the Senate marked a distinct moment in the administration's transportation agenda.