Formal and informal, mainly through DOT leadership and legislative committees. The primary formal means of communication between NCDOT and the General Assembly are appearances of the secretary of transportation and members of the Board of Transportation before the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee (which meets several times per year) and before the legislative appropriations committees during session. NCDOT employs a dedicated legislative liaison, who serves as the main contact at the General Assembly and is responsible for representing NCDOT's interests in the development and passage of state laws. The liaison also works with NCDOT staff to manage issues during the legislative session.