WTS-Boston Event Recap: DEI Book Club - Justice and the Interstates
On Wednesday, March 26th, the WTS-Boston DEI Committee kicked off its first book club meeting of 2025, bringing together a diverse group of transportation professionals from both public and private sectors to discuss Justice and the Interstates, edited by Ryan Reft, Amanda Phillips de Lucas, and Rebecca Retzlaff. The gathering sparked a rich, nuanced dialogue about the complex intersection of infrastructure, community impact, and urban development.
Participants dove deep into the multifaceted challenges of transportation projects, exploring how infrastructure decisions ripple through local communities, and the horrifying impact racism has had on highway and infrastructure locations. The conversation highlighted the delicate balance between competing priorities—such as historic preservation and accessibility—demonstrating the intricate decision-making process behind urban planning.
A particularly engaging segment of the discussion centered on transformative local projects like the Big Dig, which dramatically reshape urban landscapes. Attendees shared insights into how such large-scale infrastructure initiatives can reconnect communities and fundamentally alter the way residents interact with their urban environment.
The group also critically examined the current funding mechanisms for community reconnection projects, sparking a candid conversation about the broader policy implications affecting urban infrastructure development.
The next book club selection promises to be equally provocative: "Streetfight: Handbook for an Urban Revolution" by Janette Sadik-Khan and Seth Solomonow. Participants are encouraged to grab their copies and prepare for another dynamic discussion.
Stay tuned for the upcoming date—this is one conversation you won't want to miss!
