Dana Point Leader Takes OCTA Chair Role
Dana Point council member Federico becomes OCTA Board Chair for 2026, replacing Doug Chaffee
OCTA Names Dana Point Council Member 2026 Chair
Orange County's transit agency has new leadership guiding its transportation decisions. Federico, a Dana Point council member, took over as the Orange County Transportation Authority's 2026 Board Chair, officials announced January 29. The transition from outgoing chair Doug Chaffee marks a leadership change for the 18-member board overseeing transit and highway policy across Orange County.
Context & Background
The OCTA Board of Directors shapes transportation policy for millions of residents and commuters throughout Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles region. Board leadership typically rotates annually, with chairs selected from among elected officials serving on the board. The position involves guiding discussions on public transit operations, highway improvements, and regional mobility initiatives. Officials didn't specify Federico's full first name or detailed background in the announcement.
Key Details
Federico officially received the gavel from Chaffee during the leadership transition, according to the transit agency. The board chair leads meetings and helps set priorities for the 18-member Board of Directors, which includes elected officials from cities throughout Orange County. Officials didn't provide details about specific initiatives Federico plans to prioritize during the 2026 term or the length of the chair position.
Timeline & Implementation
The leadership change took effect with the January 29 announcement, officials said. OCTA typically transitions board leadership at the start of each calendar year, though officials didn't specify whether Federico's term runs through December 2026 or follows a different schedule. The agency released the announcement through its official news portal.
Rider Impact & Moovit
The board leadership change won't directly affect day-to-day transit operations, but the chair helps guide long-term policy decisions that shape service levels and infrastructure investments. Riders can track current OCTA bus routes and schedules through Moovit, which provides real-time updates for Orange County transit services.
