California High-Speed Rail Authority Chief Executive Ian Choudri resigned
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri resigned late Wednesday, and the authority’s board confirmed the departure Thursday. Choudri’s emailed resignation cited “important personal and family priorities.” The departure came amid scrutiny over an audit finding wasteful, unallowable travel spending and Inspector General Ben Belnap’s warning that the project could run out of money as soon as next year.
More context
Ian Choudri, chief executive of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, resigned late Wednesday. The authority’s board confirmed his resignation Thursday during the final day of a two-day meeting in Anaheim. In an emailed resignation obtained by CalMatters, Choudri said he needed to focus on “important personal and family priorities.” He had led the authority since August 2024. His departure came amid scrutiny of the project’s spending: a September report described a pattern of noncompliance with regulations and contracts, including wasteful and “unallowable” travel expenses approved for consulting firms. CalMatters reported that questionable consultant trips involved nearly $600,000 in taxpayer money. Inspector General Ben Belnap has also warned the project may face a funding shortfall next year.
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Verifier’s note
CalMatters reports that Ian Choudri resigned amid scrutiny of travel expenses, and FOX40 and FOXLA also report the resignation in connection with the spending audit. These reports concern the current event, not an older development.