Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Barack Obama

Obama Wants Car Czar to Accompany Big Three Aid

More details of a possible Obama administration-led auto industry bailout emerged yesterday when Politico reported that the president-elect wants a "high-profile point person to oversee reforms" attached to any financial aid.

Specifics about the proposal remain unclear. But the transition teamsays Obama suggested to President Bush on Monday that aid to the autoindustry could be coupled with the appointment of "someone in charge ofthe auto issue who would have the authority" to push for reforms. Thedetails came from a more extended readout of the White House meetingprovided Tuesday.

It will be interesting to see how this proposal plays in Detroit, where resistance to change, even in the marketplace it serves, may be the biggest contributor to its current predicament. In the meantime, how might the next president balance his union sympathies and urban policy cred in the name of auto industry "reform"?

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Mayor Mamdani Won’t Discuss The Ongoing NYPD Criminal Bike Crackdown That Candidate Mamdani Opposed

Hizzoner has gotten the question at least four times in the last 11 days and has yet to explain why he has not ended the NYPD's ticketing blitz against bikers.

January 16, 2026

New Speaker’s Transportation Committee Signals Departure From Her Car-First Predecessor

The Council committee tapped by new Speaker Julie Menin has a pro-bike, pro-pedestrian chair — and zero Republicans.

January 16, 2026

Mamdani Warns Delivery Apps to Follow New Worker Protection Laws — Or Else

The Mamdani Administration sent letters to over 60 delivery app companies, warning they must comply with new regulations.

January 16, 2026

Advocates to Mamdani: Come See the Cross Bronx Impact for Yourself!

Anti-highway expansion advocates in the Bronx are asking the mayor to hear them out on their ideas to create a safer and more human-friendly environment around the toxic expressway.

January 16, 2026

Friday Video: Remember When Central Park Was Actually Dangerous?

Streetfilms legend Clarence Eckerson reframes the debate about Manhattan's premier green space in just 45 seconds.

January 16, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: Back on Top Edition

The administration is going after the delivery app companies. Plus other news.

January 16, 2026
See all posts