Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Damien Talks

#DamienTalks Episode 12: Transportation Funding with Commissioner Yvonne Burke

Today #DamienTalks with Yvonne Burke, former LA County Supervisor and current commissioner for the California Transportation Commission, about transportation funding issues in California. With the legislature due to come back soon to discuss the ongoing transportation funding crisis gripping the state, Burke lays out the case that California needs to find a way to raise more funds for transportation.

Yvonne_burke

It's hardly a secret that California has been retreating from meeting its transportation needs, leaving cities and counties struggling to raise funds to fill the void. The question: is how does understanding that translate to building public support for a funding increase, be it a new tax, a fee, or some other unexplored funding mechanism?

On a personal note, it's pretty amazing to have a Civil Rights figure such as Burke on our podcast. For anyone that doesn't know, in addition to being a local political leader, Burke was the first African-American woman to represent the West Coast in Congress.

We’re always looking for sponsors, show ideas, and feedback. You can contact me at damien@streetsblog.org, at twitter @damientypes, online at Streetsblog California or on Facebook at StreetsblogCA.

Thanks for listening. You can download the episode at the Damien Talks homepage on Libsyn.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

The Week in Short Video

AI on buses, CAHSR and VMT Tax conspiracies, and one way to carry a bike up stairs.

February 13, 2026

Friday’s Headlines

Major win in D.C. for the pro-smog lobby.

February 13, 2026

Commentary: Let’s Do Even Better, Bay Area, for the World Cup

VTA boasted about record ridership for the Super Bowl. But that was despite some missed opportunities.

February 12, 2026

CA High-Speed Rail Approves Large Cost Overrun, Legislation Moves to Empower Inspector General, Unhinged Critics Criticize

The California Post tabloid newspaper arrives, and so does sensationalized criticism of California High-Speed Rail.

February 12, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines

New bike lanes, new Coaster service, and more Vision Zero follies.

February 12, 2026
See all posts