The transcriptional regulator CtrA controls DNA replication, DNA methylation and cell division during the Caulobacter cell cycle. Recent work on this master cell cycle regulator has provided insight into its control mechanisms. Feedback regulation of ctrA transcription together with timed proteolysis of CtrA determine the levels of the regulator during the cell cycle. Multiple phosphorylation pathways regulate CtrA activity by a mechanism that includes dynamic subcellular localization of the corresponding sensor kinases.