Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Podcast

Talking Headways Podcast: New Tactics for Transportation Ballot Measures

This week we’re chatting with Jason Jordan, director of the Center for Transportation Excellence (CFTE) and policy director at the American Planning Association. Jason tells us how CFTE got started and why ballot measures for transportation have been so successful compared to other types of spending. He also describes scenarios where transportation ballot measures tend to do well and those where they tend to fail.

Political action networks opposed to public investments like transit are getting more sophisticated in their opposition to these ballot measures. We discuss how to combat these new networks, often backed by dark money, and how local champions and coalitions can lead to victory.

You'll also hear about the measures on the docket for 2016, which is shaping up to be one of the busiest cycles ever for transportation ballot measures.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: Buildings are Here to Help People

Jeremy Wells on his book, Managing the Magic of Old Places: Crafting Public Policies for People-Centered Historic Preservation.

March 12, 2026

Bus Companies Say There’s a Better Way to Take a ‘Great American Road Trip’ This Summer

"Our eventual goal is to make inter-city bus travel every American's first consideration when they think about how to get from one city to the next."

March 12, 2026

Opinion: Make This Summer’s World Cup A Car-Free Paradise

NYC has a major opportunity to support people who don't drive during the World Cup. Could other host cities do it, too?

March 12, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines Can’t Keep Up

While other developed nations are building more transit lines as their populations increase, the U.S. is not.

March 12, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines Are Leading the Blind

Unfortunately, many city streets and subway stations are still not ADA compliant.

March 11, 2026

Trump’s Funding Freeze Has Derailed Transit, Undermining Growth and Economic Opportunity For All Americans

American cities used to have some of the longest per-capita rail networks in the world. Not anymore.

March 11, 2026
See all posts