On this episode of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast, co-hosts Gavin Jenkins, Brandon Lewis and Jessica Parks are joined by special guest, Noah Kolenda for the Infrastructure Draft, where each of us created our ideal American city by selecting the best of the best infrastructure across several categories.
The draft order was determined by drawing names from a hat and followed a serpentine format, with the order reversing after each round. Once a host selected a city for a category, that city was off the board for the rest of the draft. The rule added another layer of strategy, forcing the hosts to decide when to use their top cities and when to turn to less obvious picks.
The seven categories for the draft were:
- Highways — As the primary mode of travel for much of the country, highways are essential to a functioning city. They connect neighborhoods and surrounding communities, move freight and commuters, provide access to jobs and services, and help direct traffic away from local streets. A strong highway network can reduce congestion, support economic growth and make the entire region more accessible.
- Subway/Metro — A strong subway or metro system can set a major city apart. With only a handful of extensive systems across the country, this category put plenty of pressure on the hosts. Rail transit moves large numbers of riders through dense urban areas, reduces congestion on city streets and provides reliable access to jobs, housing, entertainment and commercial centers. An effective system can make daily travel easier while connecting neighborhoods and expanding mobility for residents and visitors alike.
- Bus Network — A dependable bus network is one of the most flexible pieces of a city’s transportation system. Buses can reach neighborhoods and destinations that rail lines do not, connect riders to other transit options and provide an essential service for those without access to a car. Frequent routes, broad coverage and reliable service can reduce traffic, expand access to jobs and services, and help keep the entire city moving.
- Bridge — With many of the country’s major cities built along rivers, bays or coastal areas, bridges are essential links in transportation networks. They connect neighborhoods and regions, carry commuters and freight, and provide critical access across natural barriers. The best bridges balance capacity, safety and resilience with the needs of the surrounding community. Many also become defining landmarks, giving a city a recognizable symbol while keeping people and goods moving.
- Urban Streets — Urban streets are where a city’s transportation network meets daily life. Beyond carrying cars, they must safely accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, buses, deliveries and emergency vehicles while providing access to homes, businesses and public spaces. Well-designed streets can calm traffic, support local commerce and make neighborhoods easier and more inviting to navigate. The strongest networks balance mobility with safety, accessibility and the character of the communities they serve.
- Bike Network — A connected bike network gives residents and visitors another safe, efficient way to move around the city. Protected lanes, neighborhood routes and well-designed intersections can link riders to jobs, schools, transit stops, parks and commercial districts. The strongest networks eliminate gaps and make cycling practical for everyday trips, not just recreation. By expanding transportation choices, a reliable bike network can ease congestion, improve access and create more welcoming streets.
- Wild Card — This category opened the draft to any piece of transportation infrastructure not already covered, from ferries and airports to trolleys and other specialized systems. The wild card gave each host a chance to address a remaining need, add a distinctive feature or strengthen connections within and beyond the city. With so many possibilities, the pick could provide practical mobility, regional access or simply the final element that made an ideal city stand out.
In the episode, the team reveals every selection and explains the strategy behind each pick. Then it is up to you to decide which host assembles the strongest lineup. Listen or watch, compare the final selections and let us know which infrastructure draft gets your vote.
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Email itp@endeavorb2b.com with your draft picks or vote on social media!
