Former Charlotte councilmember Bokhari leaves federal job

Former Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari leaves the Federal Transit Administration after 5 months, highlighting his accomplishments during his tenure.

Republican Charlotte city councilman Tariq Bokhari (center) won re-election on Tuesday Nov. 7, 2023, while Democrats won most other races in the county. Source: City of Charlotte livestream

After five months on the job, Former Republican Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari is no longer the deputy administrator for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Bokhari announced his departure Thursday on social media, highlighting his accomplishments over the past five months.

“I was brought into the US DOT in the first wave of this new administration to establish a new framework, set up processes, and lay out a gameplan for not just the next 4 years, but the next generation,” wrote Bokhari. “During that time I worked as hard as I’ve ever worked, and with a great team we achieved some amazing results in just the last 5 months: clearing massive grant backlogs left to us by the last administration, clearing red tape that slowed down projects, establishing an AI framework for the future, and incentivizing big, beautiful projects that are safe, family-centric, and a good use of taxpayer dollars. One initiative I am incredibly proud of jump-starting is a 10-year vision to take the global lead in Autonomous Transit.”

In April, Bokhari stepped down as District 6 representative on the Charlotte City Council to join the FTA. His vacant seat was later filled by Edwin Peacock III.

Earlier this year, his wife Krista Bokhari announced her plans to seek his former seat, a move Tariq said was a reason for returning to North Carolina.

“The timing is right for me to hand the baton to the next wave of leaders to carry on the amazing work that’s underway, and head back to my beloved North Carolina where I can focus on my wife’s important campaign, my family, and business,” said Bokhari.

While the exact reason for Bokhari’s departure from the FTA remains unclear, he had nothing negative to say about the experience.

“I really loved getting to know some amazing people that care immensely about this country,” Bokhari wrote. “Seeing our President and Administration at work up close was an amazing honor, and I am confident that Secretary Duffy, Administrator Molinaro and the countless other patriots serving this country with everything they have are going to continue their amazing work and take us to the next level.”

“Former Charlotte councilmember Bokhari leaves federal job” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.