Public Sets Low Priority for Improving Transportation Infrastructure

A new survey of the American people from the Pew Research Center ranks the priorities of the public on matters like the deficit, healthcare, and crime. Bringing up the rear of public concern: infrastructure and global warming.

1 minute read

January 27, 2014, 2:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Us High Speed Rail System

Alfred Twu / FirstCultural

The headline for the Pew Research Center’s new public poll is about the slip in concern over the nation’s deficit, but buried in the data is indication of the relative lack of concern of the public over the state of the nation’s bridges, roads, and public transportation systems.

The poll, which asks the public to rate their top priority for the president and Congress each year, places “Improving roads, bridges, and public transit” at 39 percent—18th on the list and tied with “Dealing with moral breakdown.” The concern over transportation infrastructure did jump 9 percent from 2013 to 2014. 

Another sector of infrastructure concern, “the nation’s energy problem,” ranked 13th at 45 percent. In another show of indifference, only 29 percent of respondents listed global warming among their priorities.

As for the historic trends of the public’s prioritization for infrastructure and global warming, Pew added questions on these subjects well into the 13-year tradition of the poll. The first results for infrastructure were posted in 2011, and the first results for global warming were released in 2007.

Monday, January 27, 2014 in Pew Research Center

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

2 hours ago - Oregon Public Broadcasting

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

3 hours ago - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

4 hours ago - Cambridge University Press

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.