Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Podcast

Talking Headways Podcast: Metro Areas — True Laboratories of Democracy

podcast icon logo
false

This week I'm joined by Bruce Katz, vice president of the Brookings Institution and founder of its Metropolitan Policy Program. We chat about devolution in Great Britain --the idea of moving power away from national bureaucracies and towards metropolitan governance -- and the power of metropolitan areas around the world.

There is much that America could learn from Britain’s move towards more metropolitan control. States with several metro areas could follow the UK example by moving more power to local authorities, and cities already may have more power than they realize. We also talk about what mayors want from federal policy and what kind of leaders and coalitions are needed in U.S. regions to make change.

"For folks who care about transit, intercity rail, or infrastructure," says Bruce, "the next decade is going to be a tough decade for the U.S. in particular, because so much of the funding is going to be shifted to entitlement programs. The U.S. is becoming a health care company with an army."

Take a listen and -- extra bonus -- hear what Bruce thinks of the coming year of presidential politics.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Thursday’s Headlines

On-demand transit is too expensive, so SacRT offers smaller vehicles; Amtrak sets ridership, revenue records; More

December 5, 2024

Speed Camera Pilot Program Is Not Moving Very Fast – If At All

None of the six cities authorized to test the use of speed enforcement cameras has deployed them yet.

December 5, 2024

How the 17th-Century ‘Mews’ Could Make 21st-Century Suburbs More Walkable

A new development in Texas is repurposing an old idea to make constant driving optional.

December 5, 2024

Wednesday’s Headlines

Why it's so hard to stop driving; LA Metro to increase some bus services; Caltrain's electric bill is lower than anticipated; More

December 4, 2024

Support Streetsblog California’s Work

Our team keeps you up-to-date on what the state is up to on sustainable transportation

December 4, 2024
See all posts