The climate goals are clear. The infrastructure spending isn't. (with Adie Tomer and Ben Swedberg)

California has record levels of federal infrastructure funding and some of the most ambitious climate goals in the country. But why are transportation emissions still rising? In this episode of Building Better Cities, we explore how infrastructure funding impacts urban development and sustainable infrastructure strategies. Join host Kate Gasparro as she sits down with Adie Tomer and Ben Swedberg from Brookings Metro to unpack the disconnect between urban development goals and the realities of infrastructure project funding and delivery. From federal formula funding to state-controlled transportation budgets, learn how funding pathways shape what cities can build on the ground.Then we zoom in on California as a case study. Despite strong climate policies and major investments, the state continues to prioritize projects that expand roadway capacity, while struggling to fund the supporting infrastructure needed for infill housing and transit-oriented development.If reducing vehicle miles traveled requires better land use patterns, walkable neighborhoods, and shorter trips — are we funding the right kinds of sustainable infrastructure?This conversation explores the connection between transportation, housing, and economic growth — and what it would take to better align infrastructure spending with climate goals and practical urban outcomes. If you care about urban development, cities, infrastructure finance, and the future of sustainable infrastructure, this episode is for you.Resources: California's road to climate progress, Parts 1-5 (Brookings Metro)The Regional Transportation Block Grant (Brookings Metro)Highway shakedown: How local road users are subsidizing state highway investments (Brookings Metro)Climate-accountable planning (Brookings Metro)With commuting down, cities must rethink their transportation networks (Brookings Metro)Building for proximity: The role of activity centers in reducing total miles traveles (Brookings Metro)Send us Fan MailThanks for listening to Building Better Cities! If you'd like to stay connected, don't forget to Subscribe and Follow. You can find all our archived newsletters and podcasts right here. Want to get in touch? Just email the team at [email protected].