The CTC replaced and assumed the responsibilities of four prior independent agencies, the California Highway Commission, the State Transportation Board, the State Aeronautics Board, and the California Toll Bridge Authority.

The CTC mission statement, adopted May 19, 2010, is as follows:The California Transportation Commission is an independent public agency dedicated to ensuring a safe, financially sustainable, world-class multimodal transportation system that reduces congestion, improves the environment, and facilitates economic development through the efficient movement of people and goods.

[2]The CTC is responsible for many aspects of transportation planning, funding, and management.

Other commissioners include Yvonne B. Burke, Lucetta Dunn, James Earp, James C. Ghielmetti, Carl Guardino, Christine Kehoe, James Madaffer, Joseph Tavaglione, and Paul Van Konynenburg.

[3] In 2024, the CTC's authorization for the widening of Interstate 15 sparked controversy over its environmental impact.