The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act or NITA Act took effect on June 1st and is now law in Illinois.
Earlier this week, RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard sent a letter to transit officials outlining the protocol for executive hires under the new law which combines CTA, Pace and Metra under one governing body. The CTA is currently being run by interim CTA President Nora Leerhsen.
Dillard said any executive leadership appointment requires the advice and consent of the NITA Board, which will be seated September 1st.
Additionally, the NITA Act requires the NITA Chair and Executive Director be included in the selection process, including any search committee.
When questioned if the letter was aimed at Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ability to select a permanent leader of the Chicago Transit Authority, the RTA Chairman said his time has expired, “as of June 1st the Mayor’s power over the CTA is diluted. To make a major appointment as to who the president of the CTA will be, the Mayor needed to do that before June 1st under the new state law.”
Dillard said the letter was about ensuring a smooth transition into the new government structure and his team is working closely with Governor JB Pritzker’s office to get it done.
