The Overhead Wire

In 2006, we began gathering articles that piqued the interest of our office team. This initiative expanded to include articles for the Reconnecting America board, eventually evolving into an email list for our members. Today, this list boasts over 1,800 subscribers who appreciate receiving updates about urban-related topics. As the demand for these emails grew, we wanted to ensure we weren’t overwhelming anyone with unwanted messages or excluding anyone who might benefit from the information. We also saw the need for a way to archive articles, making it easier for users to search for past news without having to sift through old emails. Plus, if you happen to miss a day, you can easily catch up on two days' worth of articles in each topic area. We've named our platform The Overhead Wire, symbolizing our aim to share valuable information and insights with you. We understand that at times, it can feel like you’re inundated with information, but this platform serves as a window into urban happenings globally. With just five minutes each morning, you can quickly glance through the latest articles. Enjoy your reading!

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Articles

(Unedited) Podcast Transcript 529: The Pacific Circuit

1 week ago | theoverheadwire.com | Jeff Wood

This week on the Talking Headways podcast we’re joined by journalist and host of KQED’s Forum Alexis Madrigal to discuss his book The Pacific Circuit: A Globalized Account of the Battle for the Soul of an American City. Alexis connects containerization to globalization and its direct impacts on an Oakland neighborhood. We also chat about histories of determining blight, silicon valley’s part in global trade, and why we need new thinking about urban change.
(Unedited) Podcast Transcript 527: Planning Connections in Panther City

3 weeks ago | theoverheadwire.com | Jeff Wood

This week we’re joined by Kelly Porter, Assistant Director Tranportation & Public Works for the City of Fort Worth. We talk about the city’s incredible growth, its first ever comprehensive transportation plan, plans for Panther Island and Butler Place as well as dreams for high speed rail. To listen to this episode, head over to Streetsblog USA.
(Unedited) Podcast Transcript 526: American Oasis

4 weeks ago | theoverheadwire.com | Jeff Wood

March 26, 2025 Topics: Podcast Transcript, Southwest, Talking Headways This week we’re joined by Kyle Paoletta to talk about his book American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest. We discuss the growth and history of southwestern US cities, how indigenous people didn’t disappear but adapted, the importance of language and identity, and climate adaptation lessons for cities from the driest region. Get the show ad free on Patreon!Listen to this show first at Streetsblog USA.
(Unedited) Podcast Transcript 525: The Public Works Director for Democrats

1 month ago | theoverheadwire.com | Jeff Wood

March 19, 2025 Topics: Podcast Transcript, Talking Headways, USDOT This week on Talking Headways we’re joined by Congressman Rick Larsen of Washington State, Ranking Member for the Democrats on the House Transportation Committee. We chat about USDOT’s recent guidance for stripping sustainable projects of funding and why active transportation advocates should focus on safety. Find committee hearing schedules here. Find the TNI Democrats page here.
(Unedited) Podcast Transcript 524: Yonah Freemark Part 2

1 month ago | theoverheadwire.com | Jeff Wood

This week Yonah Freemark of the Urban Institute is back again for Part 2 of our annual discussion. This week we make predictions! We look at what we predicted last year and what might happen in 2025. To listen to this episode (or Part 1) visit Streetsblog USA or the hosting archive. Below is a full unedited AI generated transcript:[00:01:40] Jeff Wood: Okay. So let’s get to the fun part.
(Unedited) Podcast Transcript 523: Yonah Freemark Part 1

1 month ago | theoverheadwire.com | Jeff Wood

This week we’re joined once again by Yonah Freemark of the Urban Institute to discuss his annual transit project updates at Transit Explorer. In Part 1, we talk about housing strategies for properties near transit, exciting transit openings in 2025, and which cities could use a subway project. We also talk about government deference to local officials and how we can better use public assets to create more housing. To listen to this episode, find it at Streetsblog USA.
(Unedited) Podcast Transcript 522: Stuck with Yoni Appelbaum

1 month ago | theoverheadwire.com | Jeff Wood

February 26, 2025 Topics: Economic Mobility, History, Land Use, Zoning Reform This week on the Talking Headways podcast we’re joined by Yoni Appelbaum to discuss his book Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity. We talk about the history of moving in the US and how the different traditions of land ownership and management in the US evolved.
(Unedited) Podcast Transcript 521: Why Stores Require You to Drive

2 months ago | theoverheadwire.com | Jeff Wood

February 19, 2025 Topics: Amazon, Big Box Stores, Monopoly This week we’re chatting with Stacy Mitchell of the Institute of Local Self Reliance about her recent article in the Atlantic entitled The Great Grocery Squeeze. We chat about the deregulation mood of the 70s and 80s and what that’s meant for shopping, access, and how much we drive. To listen to this episode, visit Streetsblog USA or find it in our hosting archive.
(Unedited) Podcast Transcript 520: The Cognitive Experience of a Transit User

2 months ago | theoverheadwire.com | Jeff Wood

This week on the Talking Headways podcast we’re joined by Ren Yee of UN Studio at the Mpact Transit + Community conference in Philadelphia. We chat about the cognitive workload of pedestrians and creating safe opportunities for mind wandering and absorbing information. To listen to this episode, find it at Streetsblog USA or in our hosting archive. Below is a full unedited AI generated transcript:[00:01:55] Jeff Wood: Ren Yee, welcome to the podcast. [00:02:02] Ren Yee: Thank you.
(Unedited) Podcast Transcript 519: 20 is Plenty

2 months ago | theoverheadwire.com | Jeff Wood

February 5, 2025 Topics: 20 Is Plenty, Climate Targets, Speed Limits This week on Talking Headways we’re joined by Member of the Welsh Senedd (Parliament) Lee Waters and Dr. Jennifer Kent of The University of Sydney. They talk about how Wales set climate targets, did a roads review, got to a 20 mile per hour speed limit across the country, and what it might take for other places to do the same.