Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Talking Headways Podcast

Talking Headways Podcast: They Took Our Jobs… Downtown!

podcast icon logo
false

This week on the Talking Headways Podcast I’m joined by Joe Cortright of City Observatory to nerd out on employment data and discuss their most recent report, Surging City Center Job Growth. We learn how employment cores for many cities are growing and why this looks like a long-term shift.

Joe also talks about how they measured urban cores, the use of my favorite data tool -- On the Map, which includes LEHD job data from the census -- and findings from before and after the Great Recession.

Finally, I’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about the transportation impacts of this growth in central city employment. We find out how radial roads affect sprawl and growth, and we look back at some of Joe’s reports that skewer the annual Texas Transportation Institute congestion reports. For the finale, we share opinions about self-driving cars and buses.

Take a listen during your short or long commute.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Re-Ups With Speed Camera Operator But Temp Tags Are Still Unticketable

The city has lost tens of millions in unpaid fines because the company that runs our speed- and red-light cameras can't catch cars with temp tags. But that company just inked a new $1-billion five-year deal.

March 2, 2026

Americans Demand Congress Fund Active Transportation In Next Infrastructure Bill — And Not Just The Bike/Walk Advocates

A "back to basics" surface transportation bill — as Republicans are seeking — would be devastating for road safety and small businesses.

March 2, 2026

City Revokes Armored Car Firm Garda’s Idling Law Exemption

DEP found the company "non-compliant" with fleet electrification benchmarks set as a condition for its exemption.

March 2, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: Table Setting for Tuesday Edition

The Mamdani administration will testify on its "Streets Master Plan" progress on Tuesday. Plus more news.

March 2, 2026

Lawmakers Raise Doubts About Hochul’s Insurance Proposal

The governor's Uber-backed insurance plan is leaving state lawmakers unsure of its effect on crash victims and high auto premiums.

February 27, 2026

‘Broadway Vision’: City Will Revamp Six More Blocks By 2031

The facelift will cost more than $150 million.

February 27, 2026
See all posts