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

Wednesday’s Headlines

A larger than usual headlines stack as we careen towards the 4th of July.

July 2, 2025

Inner Richmond Parents Fed Up with SFMTA Watering Down Safety

Mother of a child hit by a driver furious with city excuses for not taking daylighting and other safety measures seriously.

July 2, 2025

Governor Signs Major Changes to CEQA to Cheers from YIMBYs, Jeers from Environmental Groups

Newsom fast tracked changes to CEQA to fast track development and housing. But what do the changes to the law actually do?

July 1, 2025

Santa Monica and West Hollywood Bus Lane/Stop Enforcement Programs Start Today

Don't block the bus! Parking in a bus lane or at a bus stop will result in a $293 ticket.

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines

Gov Signs CEQA Bill to Increase Housing, Higher Fees on Parking and Tolls, Opposition to Road Widenings, ICE

July 1, 2025
See all posts