There are new questions about the future of U.S. transportation funding after the election. Experts are eyeing a shift in priorities, with local transit measures seeing success in unexpected places and tensions rising over partisan divides. While federal investments in infrastructure have sparked broad support, the future of transportation policy — at both the federal and local levels — remains uncertain, influenced by everything from climate goals to regional politics.

Senior Staff Writers Jared Brey (Governing*) and Skip Descant (Government Technology*) join the podcast for a special post-election episode of Your Mileage May Vary to discuss the prospects for transit during a time of political transition.

Here are the top-five takeaways from this episode:

1. Partisan Dynamics in Transit Policy: Transportation infrastructure shows mixed partisanship: Transit funding often aligns with urban, Democrat-led areas, while Republicans favor car-oriented infrastructure in rural and suburban districts. Local-level ballot measures, such as Nashville’s recent success funding multimodal transit, illustrate this divide.

2. Shift Toward Basics and Multimodal Solutions: Cities like Nashville and Seattle are prioritizing foundational infrastructure — such as sidewalks, busways and safer intersections — over costly, flashy projects like light rail. This approach aims to create transit systems that meet immediate needs and build public trust.

3. Federal Investment and Uncertainty: The Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law spurred transportation investments popular across party lines. However, the incoming Trump administration raises questions about priorities, particularly in electric vehicle policies and emissions standards.

4. Challenges in Transit Expansion: Efforts to expand transit into suburbs face repeated setbacks, as seen in Atlanta’s MARTA system and San Francisco’s ride-share tax failure. These examples highlight public resistance to funding transit despite growing urban-suburban connectivity needs.

5. Future Issues to Watch: Key upcoming debates include reauthorization of the Highway Trust Fund in 2026, the ongoing decline of public transit ridership and funding, and the widening policy gaps between states pursuing climate-focused transportation initiatives and those resisting federal influence.

Related Link to stories referenced in the episode:

• What the 2024 Election Could Mean for Transportation Policy

• Calif. Strengthens Emissions, Clean Transportation Standards

Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.

*Governing and Government Technology are divisions of e.Republic LLC.

Governments can drive economic growth and mutual progress by collaborating with communities to co-create innovative projects. But how can they effectively spark this collaboration?

In the latest episode of The Future in Context, host Ashley Silver interviews author Fern Tiger about her new book, Creative Instigation. The conversation highlights the importance of authentic community engagement before launching technology or economic development projects, the challenges governments and organizations face, and the innovative strategies that can lead to meaningful solutions. Drawing on her extensive community work experience, Tiger emphasizes the need to understand local contexts and histories to foster effective public-private partnerships.

Here are the five top takeaways from this week’s episode:

1. Challenges With Community Engagement: Tiger explains why traditional community engagement tools, like polls and surveys, often fall short. According to Tiger, these methods can fail to capture true community sentiments, as responses may vary based on factors as fleeting as a participant’s mood. Effective engagement should challenge communities to reflect on their feelings about issues, going beyond surface-level feedback.

2. Tailoring Engagement to Each Community’s Context: Governments can build trust and transparency by taking a hands-on approach, listening actively to residents and leaders, and staying responsive to evolving community dynamics. Genuine feedback can lead to policies and initiatives that more accurately address community needs.

3. Financial Constraints on Innovation: One major obstacle to government-community projects is budget limitations. Tiger discusses how funding challenges can stifle creativity and limit future initiatives, highlighting the need for innovative financing and partnerships that can unlock resources and drive change.

4. Case Study in Hawaii: Tiger shares a case study from Hawaii, where local officials, community advocates and residents collaborated to enhance innovation projects. This example illustrates the power of authentic dialog and the tangible benefits of understanding unique community needs.

5. Future Plans: The episode wraps up with a look at what’s next for Tiger following the release of Creative Instigation Oct. 22.

Related Link to the book referenced in the episode:

Fern Tiger, Creative Instigation: The Art & Strategy of Authentic Community Engagement, New York, NYU Press, October 2024.

Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.

As Americans contemplate the implications of a consequential general election, this may be a good time to reflect on the state of the American dream. It is still a powerful idea. And it faces challenges — some are old and intractable, others are novel if not surprising.

Allan Golston, president of the U.S. Program for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, joined the podcast to explore the intersection of economic mobility and the American dream.

He emphasized the need for equitable access to education and jobs, streamlined government support systems, and the transformative potential of generative AI in addressing resource constraints across U.S. communities.

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. Influence of Personal History: Golston’s upbringing in a middle-class family, supported by education and hard work, deeply shaped his values. His mother’s resilience and dedication to his education influenced his career focus on supporting opportunities for others to achieve economic mobility.

2. Challenges to the American Dream: Golston highlighted declining economic mobility, citing a significant drop from 90 percent of 1940s-born children earning more than their parents to only 50 percent of 1980s-born children. This shift underscores the importance of equitable access to education and job opportunities to keep the American dream alive.

3. Education and Job Market Systems as Key to Mobility: At the Gates Foundation, Golston focuses on strengthening U.S. education and job markets. He advocates for streamlined public education systems, including high-quality early learning, literacy, and post-secondary opportunities. Additionally, simplifying access to safety net benefits is crucial for those encountering life’s unexpected setbacks.

4. Solutions-Based Innovations in Government Services: Golston shared examples, such as Michigan’s simplified benefits application, that reduce red tape, making essential support accessible. Similarly, initiatives like Results for America’s Economic Mobility Catalog promote evidence-based programs to help local governments implement proven solutions for issues like food insecurity and housing.

5. Generative AI’s Potential for Equitable Education: Golston sees generative AI as transformative for education, reducing teacher workload by automating grading and making timely feedback accessible. However, he emphasizes that AI resources must be equitable across communities, and biases must be addressed to maximize AI’s positive impact on economic mobility and educational equity.

Related Link to resources referenced in the episode:

• Results for America’s Economic Mobility Catalog, developed with the support of the Gates Foundation.

Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.

West Virginia state Sen. Patricia Rucker, a strong advocate for universal school choice, is transforming the state’s education system with a vision shaped by her experiences as an immigrant and former teacher. Known for championing vulnerable communities, Rucker has faced opposition from both parties and unions in her determined push for expanded educational options. Her efforts reflect her optimism for West Virginia’s potential as a center for opportunity and growth.

Rucker, part of the 2024 class of Public Officials of the Year — a special recognition by Governing magazine, the sister publication of Government Technology* — has been a driving force in making school vouchers universally accessible in her state. Former Governing staff writer Zina Hutton joins the podcast to discuss Rucker’s work in education reform.

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

1. Commitment to Universal School Choice: Sen. Patricia Rucker is a leading advocate for comprehensive school choice legislation in West Virginia, aiming to serve students regardless of income or district. Her vision extends beyond limited voucher programs, supporting a range of options, including microschools, to meet diverse educational needs.

2. Influence of Personal Immigrant Experience: Rucker’s background as a Venezuelan immigrant who navigated language and cultural barriers fuels her passion for education. Her experiences as a student, teacher and homeschooling parent shape her approach to policy, fostering empathy for families with unique educational challenges.

3. Dedication to Vulnerable Populations: Rucker prioritizes underserved communities, focusing on those often overlooked by traditional legislation, such as rural families and vulnerable groups in need of more educational options. Her efforts seek to ensure equal opportunities for these populations.

4. Resilience Amid Pushback: Despite opposition from within her party and from unions, Rucker held firm on her stance for school reform. She engaged with dissenting lawmakers and remained resolute in the face of criticism, ultimately achieving significant legislative success.

5. Optimism for West Virginia’s Growth: Rucker believes educational reform can drive economic and social progress in West Virginia, attracting educators, entrepreneurs and families who see the state as a rising hub of opportunity and growth.

Related Links to stories referenced in the episode:

• · Public Officials of the Year: Overview

• · The Woman Who Helped Kick Off a School Choice Revolution (Rucker POY profile)

Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.

At a time when cities are grappling with multifaceted challenges, Rob Lloyd has taken on the complex challenges of transforming Seattle’s tech landscape. Recently appointed to the pivotal role of chief technology officer, Lloyd brings a holistic approach to public service, blending insights from his tenure in San Jose with innovative strategies for tackling pressing urban issues like homelessness and public safety. As he takes the reins in a city known for its technological prowess, Lloyd brings a commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and data-driven decision-making.

Lloyd is one of Governing’s* 2024 Public Officials of the Year, a special recognition of people who make government work. Government Technology* Senior Staff Writer Thad Rueter joins the podcast to discuss his profile of Seattle’s CTO.

Show Notes:

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. Holistic Approach to Public Issues: Lloyd emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy in addressing urban challenges. His experience in San Jose shaped his view that collaboration across various sectors — public health, law enforcement and public works — is essential for effective problem-solving, especially in complex issues like homelessness.

2. Leadership and Humility: Lloyd works across conventional boundaries and disciplines without asserting himself as the sole authority. This balance fosters an environment where others feel valued and encouraged to contribute their insights and expertise.

3. Mentoring and Talent Retention: Lloyd’s approach to leadership focuses on understanding and nurturing talent within the public sector. He recognizes that younger employees are motivated by more than just financial incentives; they seek meaningful work and opportunities for growth, which he aims to provide.

4. Navigating Post-Pandemic Challenges: Lloyd’s views on the role of technology in a post-pandemic world reflect his belief in data-driven decision-making. He sees technology as a crucial tool for managing various urban challenges and plans to leverage it to improve city operations and services.

5. Future Challenges and Opportunities: As Seattle faces multiple issues such as cybersecurity, climate change and disaster preparedness, Lloyd is taking a proactive role in addressing these concerns. His past experiences in San Jose are anticipated to inform his strategies as he leads Seattle into a new phase of urban governance, aiming to attract innovative talent and ideas.

Related Links to stories referenced in the episode:

• Public Officials of the Year: Overview

• A National Leader in Public-Sector Tech Moves to a New City (Lloyd POY profile)

Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.

*Government Technology is a sister publication to Governing. Both are divisions of e.Republic.

After guiding the Texas county through the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Philip Huang, its health director, pushed for collaboration and long-term strategies to prepare for future crises. Data modernization proved to be crucial.

Huang has spent his career navigating the complexities of public health with a mission to impact as many families as possible. From his early experiences in Nepal that shifted his focus from family medicine to public health, to leading Dallas County through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the county health director has championed data modernization and transparency as key tools in building public trust. His unique perspective, shaped by work at local, state and federal levels, drives his vision for a more resilient, collaborative and depoliticized approach to public health in the future.

Huang is one of Governing’s* 2024 Public Officials of the Year, a special recognition of people who make government work. Governing Senior Staff Writer Carl Smith joins the podcast to discuss Huang’s work and review the key takeaways from his interview with Huang.

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

1. Motivation for Pursuing Public Health: Huang, Dallas County's health director, shifted from family medicine to public health after a formative experience in Nepal. He realized he could impact more families by addressing broader public health issues rather than individual patient care.

2. Public Health Challenges During COVID-19: Huang was frustrated with political polarization surrounding public health during COVID-19. He stresses the need for long-term strategies and infrastructure to better prepare for future pandemics, highlighting the importance of depoliticizing health recommendations.

3. Data Modernization for Effective Public Health: There is a life-or-death need for robust data systems in public health. Early in the pandemic, Dallas County relied on outdated methods like fax and paper. The modernization of data infrastructure allowed for better decision-making and community trust during the pandemic.

4. Building and Sustaining Public Trust: Transparency and communication with the public played a key role in building trust. Huang’s efforts included establishing a public health portal and regularly sharing data and updates to keep the community informed.

5. Collaboration Across Public Health Levels: Huang’s experience working at local, state and federal levels gives him a unique perspective on how different agencies view public health. He uses this understanding to facilitate communication and cooperation across these sectors, ensuring a more cohesive approach to health challenges.

Related Links to stories referenced in the episode:

• Public Officials of the Year: Overview

• Bringing Data to Bear on Public Health Outcomes (Huang POY profile)

Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.

G.T. Bynum is leaving the family business. The outgoing mayor of Tulsa, Okla., is the fourth member of his family to lead the city. The former city councilmember became mayor in 2016. During his tenure, he implemented a data-driven approach to real-time policing while focusing on redressing racial disparity and fostering economic vitality. That vision and his pragmatic approach to turning around a struggling city earned him recognition as a Public Official of the Year, a designation from Governing magazine.

In this episode, Governing Senior Writer Jared Brey joins the podcast to extract lessons from Bynum’s time in office and examine what’s next for the mayor and his city.

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

1. Economic Revitalization and Growth: Bynum played a pivotal role in Tulsa’s economic development by attracting new employers like Amazon and encouraging remote workers to return to the city, contributing to its economic rejuvenation.

2. Acknowledging Racial History: Bynum openly recognized the Tulsa Race Massacre, which had long been overlooked, and led efforts to search for and identify victims. While it may not have resulted in full reconciliation, his actions brought greater attention to Tulsa’s historical racial violence.

3. Navigating Racial Inequality: Bynum faced challenges in addressing racial inequality and police reform, especially during the protests of 2020. His leadership during these times was scrutinized, and some criticized him for not taking stronger action on police reform.

4. Nonpartisan Leadership: As a Republican, Bynum prided himself on governing in a nonpartisan manner, seeking to unite different political groups and focusing on common goals rather than ideological divides. His reputation for nonpartisanship was a defining feature of his leadership.

5. Future Path and Legacy: Bynum will leave office to join the private sector, specifically Saint Francis Health System, though he has left the door open for potential future public service. He is credited with positioning Tulsa for future growth, fostering a vision where young people could see opportunities to build in the city.

Related Links to stories referenced in the episode:

• Public Officials of the Year: Overview

• How a Fourth-Generation Mayor Reshaped His Hometown (Bynum POY profile)

Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.

Listen to this episode on the player below or subscribe for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.

On this episode, we look at Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s innovative approach to tackling homelessness, budget challenges and systemic inequality. Crowley is among those recognized by Governing’s returning Public Officials of the Year award series.

Created three decades ago to spotlight solutions, not scandals, the Public Officials of the Year (POY) awards are back. Governing magazine, the sister publication of Government Technology*, is again recognizing a select group of people who make government work.

For its part, The Future In Context podcast is dedicating October to deep dives on POY’s Class of 2024. You’ll hear from public officials themselves and the writers who profiled them in the fall issue of Governing.

In this episode, we examine Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and his work to reduce homelessness, reshape public health, lead collaboratively and think strategically about the community’s next chapter. Governing Editor Alan Greenblatt joins the podcast to put Milwaukee’s future in context.

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. The Revival of Public Officials of the Year: Greenblatt discusses the return of Governing magazine’s Public Officials of the Year awards after its print edition was discontinued in 2019. The awards celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to state and local government. The focus is on recognizing solutions rather than highlighting conflicts or scandals.

2. Collaborative Leadership in Milwaukee: David Crowley, Milwaukee County executive, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson are highlighted as prime examples of close political collaboration. Their longstanding relationship and cooperative work have led to legislative successes, like allowing Milwaukee County to raise local sales taxes, which has helped address long-standing budget issues. The two were together so often that they joked they should have carpooled.

3. Systemic and Long-Term Vision: Crowley is praised for taking a long-term, systems-based approach to governance. His focus on integrating various government initiatives (housing, health, etc.) under a strategic vision contrasts with the short-term crisis management that often dominates government action. His approach is aimed at improving health outcomes, housing and other critical public services in Milwaukee.

4. Success in Reducing Homelessness With Housing First: Milwaukee County’s successful implementation of the Housing First model has resulted in a 92 percent reduction in homelessness over a decade. Greenblatt emphasizes the collaborative efforts between the county, city and nonprofit organizations as key to this achievement.

5. Challenges and Future Aspirations for Milwaukee: Despite significant progress, Milwaukee still faces challenges, including opioid addiction, traffic fatalities and income disparities. Both Crowley and Johnson have ambitious goals to change the perception of Milwaukee, with hopes for future growth, although there is skepticism about whether it will achieve the rapid development seen in cities like Nashville or Austin.

Related Links to stories referenced in the episode:

· Public Officials of the Year: A Special Note from Our Publisher

· After Decades, a County’s Budget Gets Back on Track (Crowley POY profile)

Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.