MEDIA ADVISORY – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 1, 2025
Contact: Colin Parent, (619) 567-6856, [email protected]
PRESS CONFERENCE AND ONLINE MEDIA BRIEFING
Release of Circulate San Diego’s Latest Report:
“The Powerless Brokers: Why California Can’t Build Transit”
What:
On Monday, Aug. 4, at 9 a.m., Circulate San Diego will debut its latest report, “The Powerless Brokers: Why California Can’t Build Transit.” The press conference will be at the Tecolote Station on the UC San Diego Blue Line with a virtual media briefing that afternoon.
Why:
From High-Speed Rail, to long-delayed bus rapid transit, California’s public transit agencies struggle to build the projects we need. This is a crucial time for public transit in California, with Trump threatening to pull back High-Speed Rail funds, and permitting reforms pending in the legislature.
The report includes a case study of SANDAG’s construction of the Mid-Coast Trolley, often held out as a model for project delivery. The report details unusual statutory authorities enjoyed by SANDAG, that have never been discussed in the media.
The report title ties to Robert Caro’s legendary biography of Robert Moses, “The Power Broker.” While Robert Moses was the infamous and unstoppable master builder of New York, many California transit agencies struggle – they find themselves powerless.
When:
- In-Person Press Conference on Monday, Aug. 4, at 9 a.m.
- Online Media Briefing on Monday, Aug. 4, at 1 p.m.
Where:
Who:
- Congressman Scott Peters (In-person press conference only)
- Senator Catherine Blakespear, California State Senator District 38, Former Chair of SANDAG (In-person press conference only)
- Colin Parent, CEO and General Counsel of Circulate San Diego and Report Author
Visuals: For the press conference, Trolley cars, speakers at a podium at a station for the recently built Mid-Coast Trolley light rail extension. There will also be a poster-sized image from the report’s cover.
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