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Phoenix mayor urges Congress to send highway money to cities, not just states

In a compelling call to action, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has urged Congress to redirect federal transportation funding directly to local governments, emphasizing the critical need for cities to have greater control over infrastructure investments. Gallego, speaking at a recent congressional hearing, highlighted the inefficiencies and delays that often accompany the current system of federal funding distribution, which typically funnels money through state governments before reaching municipalities. Her plea underscores a growing frustration among local leaders who argue that cities, as the economic engines of the nation, are best positioned to identify and address their unique transportation needs.

Gallego’s argument centers on the idea that local governments are more attuned to the specific challenges and opportunities within their communities. She pointed out that cities like Phoenix are experiencing rapid population growth and urbanization, which place immense pressure on existing transportation infrastructure. With more residents comes increased demand for public transit, road maintenance, pedestrian safety measures, and innovative mobility solutions. However, the current funding structure often leaves cities waiting for state approval or competing with other regional priorities, resulting in delayed projects and missed opportunities to improve quality of life for residents. Gallego stressed that direct federal funding would enable cities to act swiftly and decisively, ensuring that transportation projects align with local needs rather than broader state agendas.

One of the key issues Gallego raised is the disparity in how transportation funds are allocated and prioritized. States, which often control the distribution of federal dollars, may focus on rural or statewide projects, sometimes at the expense of urban centers where the majority of economic activity and population density are concentrated. Phoenix, as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, serves as a prime example of a municipality grappling with the consequences of this imbalance. Gallego argued that urban areas generate significant tax revenue and drive national economic growth, yet they frequently receive a disproportionately small share of transportation funding relative to their needs. By sending funds directly to local governments, Congress could help rectify this inequity and empower cities to invest in infrastructure that supports their unique economic and social landscapes.

In her testimony, Gallego also highlighted the importance of transportation infrastructure in addressing broader societal challenges, such as climate change and economic inequality. She noted that well-funded, locally controlled transportation systems can play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions by promoting public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly urban design. These initiatives not only combat environmental degradation but also improve access to jobs, education, and healthcare for underserved communities. Gallego emphasized that local leaders are often more innovative and responsive in implementing sustainable transportation solutions, as they are directly accountable to their constituents. However, without direct access to federal funding, many of these initiatives remain underfunded or stalled, hampering progress on critical national goals like reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Another significant point in Gallego’s appeal was the need for flexibility in how transportation funds are used. Under the current system, federal dollars often come with strict guidelines or are earmarked for specific types of projects, limiting the ability of local governments to adapt to changing circumstances. For instance, a city might urgently need to repair aging bridges or expand bus routes to accommodate a growing workforce, but if the allocated funds are restricted to highway construction, those pressing needs go unmet. Gallego urged Congress to grant local governments greater autonomy in determining how best to allocate transportation dollars, arguing that such flexibility would lead to more efficient and impactful investments. She cited examples of successful locally driven projects in Phoenix, where community input and tailored solutions have resulted in improved mobility and resident satisfaction, as evidence of the potential benefits of this approach.

Gallego also addressed the economic implications of direct federal funding for local transportation. She argued that infrastructure investments are a powerful tool for job creation, particularly in construction and related industries. When cities can quickly launch projects without navigating layers of state bureaucracy, the economic benefits are realized sooner, providing a much-needed boost to local economies. Moreover, modernized transportation systems attract businesses and talent, further fueling economic growth. Gallego warned that delays in funding and project implementation can deter private investment and hinder a city’s competitiveness on a national and global scale. By streamlining the funding process and empowering local governments, Congress could help cities like Phoenix maintain their economic momentum and continue to thrive as hubs of innovation and opportunity.

The mayor’s testimony also touched on the importance of equity in transportation planning. She noted that many low-income communities and communities of color in urban areas suffer from inadequate access to reliable transportation, which limits their ability to participate fully in the economy and access essential services. Gallego argued that local governments, with their deep understanding of neighborhood dynamics, are best equipped to design transportation solutions that address these disparities. Direct federal funding would enable cities to prioritize projects that connect marginalized communities to opportunities, such as affordable public transit options or infrastructure improvements in historically neglected areas. This focus on equity, she asserted, is not only a moral imperative but also a practical strategy for fostering inclusive growth and social cohesion.

In making her case, Gallego acknowledged the complexities of federal funding mechanisms and the need for collaboration between all levels of government. She expressed a willingness to work with state and federal partners to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of transportation funds. However, she maintained that the current system often sidelines the voices of local leaders, who are on the front lines of addressing transportation challenges. By restructuring funding to prioritize direct allocations to municipalities, Congress could create a more balanced and effective framework for infrastructure investment, one that recognizes the critical role of cities in shaping the nation’s future.

Gallego’s appeal to Congress is part of a broader movement among mayors and local officials across the country who are advocating for greater control over federal resources. As urban populations continue to grow and transportation needs become more complex, the call for localized decision-making is gaining traction. Gallego’s testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the stakes involved: without reform, cities risk falling behind in their ability to provide safe, efficient, and equitable transportation systems for their residents. Her vision of direct federal funding offers a potential path forward, one that could transform how infrastructure projects are prioritized and implemented in urban centers nationwide.

In conclusion, Mayor Kate Gallego’s request for Congress to send transportation funding directly to local governments is rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing cities like Phoenix. Her arguments highlight the inefficiencies of the current system, the unique needs of urban areas, and the potential for local control to drive innovation, equity, and economic growth. By empowering municipalities with the resources and flexibility to address their transportation priorities, Congress has the opportunity to support the vitality of America’s cities and ensure that infrastructure investments deliver maximum impact for communities across the nation. Gallego’s testimony is a clarion call for change, urging federal lawmakers to rethink how transportation funding is distributed and to place trust in the leaders who know their cities best. Her message resonates not just for Phoenix, but for urban centers everywhere striving to build a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous future.

Read the Full USA TODAY Article at:
[ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2025/07/16/kate-gallego-asks-congress-send-transportation-funding-local-governments/85231101007/ ]