High-speed rail bosses plot giving CEO almost unchecked power — as he runs from domestic incident questions
Leaders at California’s High-Speed Rail are considering expanding CEO Ian Choudri’s authority over spending and contracts amid concerns about project delays and rising costs. The proposal, supported by some board members, would increase Choudri’s power to approve new contracts from $25 million to $100 million, aligning it with his existing change-order authority. The move comes as Choudri faces scrutiny over a past domestic incident and attempts to restrict media questioning about personal matters.
- ▪California High-Speed Rail CEO Ian Choudri currently can approve contracts up to $25 million and change orders up to $100 million without board approval.
- ▪Board member Anthony Williams supports raising the CEO’s contract approval limit to $100 million to streamline decision-making.
- ▪Board member Henry Perea opposes expanding executive power, advocating for greater board oversight on spending.
- ▪Choudri was arrested in February following a domestic dispute, but no charges were filed due to insufficient evidence.
- ▪Choudri attempted to block media questions about personal matters, leading several reporters to decline interviews.
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Metro High-speed rail bosses plot giving CEO almost unchecked power — as he runs from domestic incident questions By Zain Khan Published April 30, 2026, 5:09 p.m. ET Bosses at California’s High-Speed Rail are weighing giving the CEO even more power as the beleaguered system racks up eye-popping contracts. The board of directors are mulling if granting Ian Choudri more authority over spending and operations will salvage the struggling project. Choudri currently operates under powers delegated by the board, including the ability to approve new contracts worth up to $25 million without board approval and authorize change orders on existing contracts up to $100 million, the Fresno Bee reported.
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