Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Friday Video

Friday Video: Would Our Cities Be Better Off Without Public Hearings?

Is the way America does public hearings making our cities more democratic, or obstructing the kinds of human-centered projects we need most?

Photo: Still from About Here

For obvious reasons, a lot of sustainable transportation advocates are re-focusing their energies on a local level right now and strategizing about how to give more people opportunity stop live to walkable, transit-rich neighborhoods — no matter what Washington is doing. And that's why there's no better time than the present to confront one of the most stubborn barriers to new housing, in-neighborhood services, bike lanes, bus lanes and more: the infamous public hearing.

In the latest video from the excellent Canadian series "About Here," host and urban planner Uytae Lee unpacks why public meetings seem so important on paper — not least because of the legacy of destructive highway projects that didn't require them — but end up being so undemocratic in reality. And then, he suggests a better process that might actually represent the will of the people, rather than just the handful of cranky neighbors who have the time, energy, and privilege to show up ... or the politicians who often ignore them anyway.

It's a great video (and check out the blink-and-you'll-miss-it shot of Friend of Streetsblog and "War On Cars" podcast host Doug Gordon getting shoved at 3:41.)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Wednesday’s Headlines Are for the Children

From mothers with babies in strollers to preteens on bikes, much of the U.S. is hostile to families just trying to get around without a car.

July 2, 2025

Ambulance Data Reveals That Boston Drivers Are 4 Times More Likely to Run Over Pedestrians From Black Neighborhoods

"Overall, residents of predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods are about four times more likely than residents of predominantly white neighborhoods to be struck as a pedestrian."

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Sprawling Headlines

Sprawl seems to be having a moment, but it remains a very shortsighted and environmentally disastrous way to solve the housing crisis.

July 1, 2025

Does Constant Driving Really Make Our Country Richer?

A new study reveals that constant driving is making America less productive and prosperous — and getting people on other modes could help right the ship.

July 1, 2025

This Threatened Toronto Bike Lane Gets More Rush Hour Traffic Than the Car Lane

Ontario leadership claim "no one bikes" on their cities' paths — but the data shows otherwise.

July 1, 2025
See all posts