In preparation for tonight's State of the Union address, consider the role of "transportation" and "infrastructure" in previous State of the Union addresses dating back to 1999.
Jeff Davis dug through 20 years of State of the Union addresses, spanning four presidential tenures, for references to transportation and infrastructure.
The record for fewest mentions of either word goes to George W. Bush, who failed to use either word in addresses from 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, or 2006. Bush used of the words in 2002 ion reference to the USA Freedom Corps, not in reference to any domestic policy. Border security was the context for Bush's mention of infrastructure in 2007, and Afghanistan was the location of new roads touted by Bush in 2008.
Davis also mentions an amusing anecdote from Bill Clinton's 2000 State of the Union that he describes as a Freudian slip: "he kept trying to promote plans to make communities more 'livable' but kept saying 'liberal' instead."
FULL STORY: Transportation and Infrastructure in the State of the Union Address, 1999-2018
U.S. EPA Rolling Back Science-Based Regulation Under Cover of COVID
Contentious policy revisions at the Environmental Protection Agency roll back data-guided policies under the Trump administration.
Trump's State of the Union: More on Infrastructure in Democrats' Response
The president spoke briefly about infrastructure in his third State of the Union address last Tuesday, urging Congress to pass the bipartisan America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2019. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had a lot more to say.
Trump Selects Elaine J. Chao, former Labor Secretary, as Transportation Secretary
Elaine Chao served all eight years as President George W. Bush's former Secretary of Labor and also under his father's administration as Deputy Secretary of Transportation. She is married to Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities
Bigger is not always better.
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach
Prioritizing safety and committing to the SSA framework can make a big impact in the effort to reduce traffic fatalities.
How AI Is Revolutionizing Urban Forestry and Climate Resilience
Tree-D Fusion, an AI-driven tool developed by MIT and Purdue researchers, generates 3D models of urban trees to help city planners visualize future green spaces, address climate challenges, and enhance urban livability and sustainability.
Key Climate and Health Issues to Watch in 2025
The escalating health impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to sea level rise, highlight the urgent need for integrated medical education, proactive communication, and sustainable policy solutions to protect public health.
Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis
Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Oxford
Caltrans - District 7
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport