Local Politics
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Resigns Amid Travel Spending Scandal
Ian Choudri resigned as executive director of the California High-Speed Rail Authority on Wednesday night, citing personal and family priorities, according to a resignation letter obtained by CalMatters. His departure followed a state inspector general investigation that found consultants used nearly $600,000 in taxpayer funds for first-class travel, nightclubs, cigar lounges, and other questionable expenses between 2024 and 2026. The board had voted earlier this month to limit Choudri's contractual authority after the findings emerged. On Wednesday, the board unanimously approved a $772.1 million contract with Siemens Mobility for three bullet trains by 2030, while the agency faces warnings it could run out of funds by December 2027.