99% Invisible The Power Broker #7: Sec. Pete Buttigieg
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Jul 19, 2024 
Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former mayor of South Bend, discusses the pivotal role of infrastructure in combating systemic racism within transportation systems. He shares insights on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and its potential to reshape communities. The conversation also delves into historical power dynamics illustrated by Robert Moses and the ongoing struggles for equitable urban development, highlighting the importance of reconnecting divided neighborhoods through thoughtful infrastructure initiatives.
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Radio Broadcast Sabotage
- Moses attempted to sway public opinion to gain control of public housing.
- LaGuardia secretly thwarted Moses's radio broadcast of his housing plan.
Public Authorities and Moses's Power
- Public authorities are semi-independent, publicly funded organizations with specific goals.
- Moses used them to create a personal fiefdom, wielding power and circumventing regulations.
Immortal Authorities
- Moses capitalized on the self-imposed lifespan of public authorities.
- By issuing new bonds to refund old ones, he made the authorities effectively immortal.
