Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Barack Obama

Bloomberg to Obama: Stimulus Aid Should Go Directly to Cities

obama_bloomberg.jpgA face-to-face back in April. Photo: Scoop08.

Yesterday the President-elect unveiled the broad strokes of his economic recovery plan at a DC press event, and Mayor Bloomberg was there to give his response. Bloomberg's message is critical for the prospects of green transportation in the upcoming stimulus package. Here's the abbreviated version via Liz Benjamin at the Daily Politics:

I have made the case to his incoming administration that a lot of the resources have to go directly to the cities, which is where these projects will get managed and built.

We've said it before and it definitely bears repeating: This is a big opportunity and Obama can't afford to blow it. If his team is serious about its sustainability goals -- and by most accounts the energy portion of the plan is legit -- they'll heed Bloomberg. Directing transportation funds to cities is one of the most effective ways to support transit, bike, and pedestrian infrastructure. The bigger the share cities get, the better. But that's not what one of the key players, House Appropriations Chair David Obey, has in mind:

Yesterday, Congressman David Obey (D-WI), chairman of the HouseAppropriations Committee, stated on National Public Radio that stimulusfunding directed towards transportation infrastructure will beallocated directly to states to determine how best to use the Americantax dollars.

That's a recipe for disaster -- funneling tens of billions of dollars to highway-builders while starving the agencies that do the most to give people better transportation choices and more livable neighborhoods. On the campaign trail, candidate Obama promised he would talk about cities once in office. Now the inauguration is less than two weeks away. I don't think it's too early to say: "Let's hear it."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Will Indicted Mayor Adams’s Bid to Eliminate Parking Mandates Survive Council Review?

As the City Council review proccess begins, experts say it is crucial to keep getting rid of parking mandates in the City of Yes.

October 3, 2024

Room for Improvement: What New York’s Subway System Can Learn from Cities Around the World

New York’s subway was once an international model of modernity. But it's not anymore.

October 3, 2024

Stop Making Sense: TWU’s Head-Scratching Opposition to Congestion Pricing Doesn’t Add Up

Thanks in part to union sabotage, New Yorkers are staring into an abyss of impoverished transit.

October 3, 2024

Subway Elevators are Not Just a Nice Lift, But a Basic Civil Right

Accessibility is a must-have as cities compete to attract visitors and retain residents.

October 3, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: Apples and Honey and Game 3 Edition

Sure, the Mets didn't win on Rosh Hashanah, but did we ever tell you about our favorite Mets-Rosh Hashanah story? Plus other news.

October 3, 2024
See all posts