Longform Podcast #575: Megan Kimble
Megan Kimble is the former executive editor of The Texas Observer and has written for The New York Times , Texas Monthly , and The Guardian . Her new book is City Limits: Infrastructure, Inequality, and the Future of America’s Highways . “I have never lived in a city that was not wrapped in highways. It’s hard for me to imagine anything else. And I think that’s true for a lot of people today. ... [But] we have known since the origins of the interstate highways program that building highways through cities doesn’t fix traffic. And yet we keep doing it. To me, that really fueled a lot of the book. It wasn’t supposed to be this way.”
Megan Kimble, the former executive editor of The Texas Observer and a seasoned journalist who has contributed to The New York Times, Texas Monthly, and The Guardian, has recently released her new book, "City Limits: Infrastructure, Inequality, and the Future of America’s Highways." In this comprehensive exploration of urban infrastructure, Kimble delves into the complex relationship between highways, inequality, and the future of American cities.
Kimble, who has lived in cities entwined with highways her entire life, found inspiration in her personal experiences. "I have never lived in a city that was not wrapped in highways. It’s hard for me to imagine anything else," she reflects. This pervasive presence of highways in urban landscapes is not unique to her; it resonates with many people today. However, Kimble’s research reveals a troubling reality: the interstate highways program, which was initially designed to alleviate traffic congestion, has had the opposite effect. Despite recognizing this flaw from the outset, cities have continued to build highways, perpetuating a cycle of inefficiency and inequality.
"City Limits" examines the historical, social, and economic factors that have contributed to this paradoxical situation. Kimble argues that the initial vision for highways was rooted in optimism and a belief in progress, but over time, the focus shifted to economic development and suburban expansion. This shift in priorities has led to a concentration of highways in urban areas, displacing communities, exacerbating inequality, and failing to address traffic issues.
One of the key themes in Kimble’s book is the disproportionate impact of highways on marginalized communities. The construction of highways often requires the demolition of existing neighborhoods, displacing residents and contributing to wealth disparities. Furthermore, highways have been used as tools for social engineering, with the intent of segregating different racial and economic groups. Kimble highlights how these historical decisions continue to shape the urban landscape and perpetuate systemic inequalities.
In addition to addressing the past, "City Limits" also looks towards the future. Kimble questions whether highways are the best solution for the challenges facing modern cities. She explores alternative approaches, such as public transportation systems, pedestrian-friendly designs, and the promotion of mixed-use development. By rethinking our approach to urban infrastructure, Kimble believes we can create more sustainable, equitable, and livable cities.
Megan Kimble’s work not only sheds light on the complexities of urban infrastructure but also underscores the urgent need for change. As cities grapple with traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and social inequality, "City Limits" offers a compelling case for reevaluating our reliance on highways and investing in more inclusive, forward-thinking solutions. Kimble’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of American cities and the role of infrastructure in shaping our society.
