Jay Blazek Crossley
@jaycrossley.bsky.social
Texan husband dad safe streets advocate YIMBY freeway fighter policy wonk punk rocker serial boards & commissions member democracy builder pepper grower hot sauce maker advocate for sustaining human life on this planet executive director of Farm&City
If we are considering high speed rail in the Texas Triangle, all of these same questions apply, but on an even grander scale, and with the added crucial element of stations needing to be tied directly into the heart of effective local transit grid networks in each metro region.
Some questions I ask whenever I see a crayon like this:
Sacramento deserves a regional rail system. What would it take to build it?
February 8, 2026 at 8:46 PM
If we are considering high speed rail in the Texas Triangle, all of these same questions apply, but on an even grander scale, and with the added crucial element of stations needing to be tied directly into the heart of effective local transit grid networks in each metro region.
TIL that "squeek" is actually spelled "squeak," and it just seemed really fun – just like a nice little tune up for my little brain engine.
You gotta take the wins you can get, I suppose.
You gotta take the wins you can get, I suppose.
February 3, 2026 at 7:38 PM
TIL that "squeek" is actually spelled "squeak," and it just seemed really fun – just like a nice little tune up for my little brain engine.
You gotta take the wins you can get, I suppose.
You gotta take the wins you can get, I suppose.
I live in a state (Texas) w/ horribly mismanaged transportation spending that’s left us with a worthless pedestrian transportation system.
The rare snow and sleet accumulation on the ground in Austin yields a sneckdown kind of effect showing the desire lines where people walk on missing sidewalks.
The rare snow and sleet accumulation on the ground in Austin yields a sneckdown kind of effect showing the desire lines where people walk on missing sidewalks.
January 25, 2026 at 6:31 PM
I live in a state (Texas) w/ horribly mismanaged transportation spending that’s left us with a worthless pedestrian transportation system.
The rare snow and sleet accumulation on the ground in Austin yields a sneckdown kind of effect showing the desire lines where people walk on missing sidewalks.
The rare snow and sleet accumulation on the ground in Austin yields a sneckdown kind of effect showing the desire lines where people walk on missing sidewalks.
It was explained to me in Cincinnati that they uniquely didn’t have the funds to demolish during the periods that American cities were demolishing urbanism.
Even Houston had dense urbanism like that in the 40s, to some extent, but much of it was demolished.
Even Houston had dense urbanism like that in the 40s, to some extent, but much of it was demolished.
January 20, 2026 at 2:51 PM
It was explained to me in Cincinnati that they uniquely didn’t have the funds to demolish during the periods that American cities were demolishing urbanism.
Even Houston had dense urbanism like that in the 40s, to some extent, but much of it was demolished.
Even Houston had dense urbanism like that in the 40s, to some extent, but much of it was demolished.
Reposted by Jay Blazek Crossley
"I'm so sorry that we could not have done this earlier...to have saved the loved ones in your life. But I thank you fopr the work that you have done...to ensure that this pain not be felt by others who call this same city home." — Mayor Mamdani at McGuinness Blvd. presser youtube.com/shorts/uwAYI...
Mayor Mamdani commits to ending traffic violence across NYC on third day in office #safestreets
YouTube video by Streetsblog NYC
youtube.com
January 3, 2026 at 9:07 PM
"I'm so sorry that we could not have done this earlier...to have saved the loved ones in your life. But I thank you fopr the work that you have done...to ensure that this pain not be felt by others who call this same city home." — Mayor Mamdani at McGuinness Blvd. presser youtube.com/shorts/uwAYI...
Here’s my current pile of books I want to dig into. I’m in a particularly book heavy phase right now. We’ll see how far I get into the books in this pile.
There’s some other ones in the pile still on my desk at the office to get into next year.
There’s some other ones in the pile still on my desk at the office to get into next year.
December 29, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Here’s my current pile of books I want to dig into. I’m in a particularly book heavy phase right now. We’ll see how far I get into the books in this pile.
There’s some other ones in the pile still on my desk at the office to get into next year.
There’s some other ones in the pile still on my desk at the office to get into next year.
The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge
Carlos Casteneda
Started day before my birthday.
Finished June 22.
The Art of Procrastination
John Perry
Started Saturday 1/4/25.
Finished just after midnight the next night.
Carlos Casteneda
Started day before my birthday.
Finished June 22.
The Art of Procrastination
John Perry
Started Saturday 1/4/25.
Finished just after midnight the next night.
December 29, 2025 at 8:29 AM
The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge
Carlos Casteneda
Started day before my birthday.
Finished June 22.
The Art of Procrastination
John Perry
Started Saturday 1/4/25.
Finished just after midnight the next night.
Carlos Casteneda
Started day before my birthday.
Finished June 22.
The Art of Procrastination
John Perry
Started Saturday 1/4/25.
Finished just after midnight the next night.
Hate The Game
Daryl Rose Fairweather
Trying to finish before YIMBYtown. Done! One day before YIMBYtown 9/13
The Black Jocobins: Toussant Louverture and the San Domingo Revolution
C.L.R. James
Started June 25. Finished December 9, 2025, then I finally read the appendix essay right before Christmas.
Daryl Rose Fairweather
Trying to finish before YIMBYtown. Done! One day before YIMBYtown 9/13
The Black Jocobins: Toussant Louverture and the San Domingo Revolution
C.L.R. James
Started June 25. Finished December 9, 2025, then I finally read the appendix essay right before Christmas.
December 29, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Hate The Game
Daryl Rose Fairweather
Trying to finish before YIMBYtown. Done! One day before YIMBYtown 9/13
The Black Jocobins: Toussant Louverture and the San Domingo Revolution
C.L.R. James
Started June 25. Finished December 9, 2025, then I finally read the appendix essay right before Christmas.
Daryl Rose Fairweather
Trying to finish before YIMBYtown. Done! One day before YIMBYtown 9/13
The Black Jocobins: Toussant Louverture and the San Domingo Revolution
C.L.R. James
Started June 25. Finished December 9, 2025, then I finally read the appendix essay right before Christmas.
Men Explain Things to Me
Rebecca Solnit
Upon recommendation of ChatGPT that I write in a similar style.
Started 10/26 on plane to DC. Finished 11/7
The Art of Community:
Seven Principles of Belonging
Charles H. Vogl
Kevin Williams sent to me 10/7. Finished 10/25 one day before talking to Joe&Kevin.
Rebecca Solnit
Upon recommendation of ChatGPT that I write in a similar style.
Started 10/26 on plane to DC. Finished 11/7
The Art of Community:
Seven Principles of Belonging
Charles H. Vogl
Kevin Williams sent to me 10/7. Finished 10/25 one day before talking to Joe&Kevin.
December 29, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Men Explain Things to Me
Rebecca Solnit
Upon recommendation of ChatGPT that I write in a similar style.
Started 10/26 on plane to DC. Finished 11/7
The Art of Community:
Seven Principles of Belonging
Charles H. Vogl
Kevin Williams sent to me 10/7. Finished 10/25 one day before talking to Joe&Kevin.
Rebecca Solnit
Upon recommendation of ChatGPT that I write in a similar style.
Started 10/26 on plane to DC. Finished 11/7
The Art of Community:
Seven Principles of Belonging
Charles H. Vogl
Kevin Williams sent to me 10/7. Finished 10/25 one day before talking to Joe&Kevin.
The Power Broker
Robert Caro
Audiobook started 11/18/25
The Yellow House
Sarah M. Broom
Started 11/11/25
Transportation for the Abundant Society
Gregory H. Shill and Jonathan Levine
Long journal article that Sara Bronin told me about at YIMBYtown. Finished 11/7/25
Robert Caro
Audiobook started 11/18/25
The Yellow House
Sarah M. Broom
Started 11/11/25
Transportation for the Abundant Society
Gregory H. Shill and Jonathan Levine
Long journal article that Sara Bronin told me about at YIMBYtown. Finished 11/7/25
December 29, 2025 at 8:29 AM
The Power Broker
Robert Caro
Audiobook started 11/18/25
The Yellow House
Sarah M. Broom
Started 11/11/25
Transportation for the Abundant Society
Gregory H. Shill and Jonathan Levine
Long journal article that Sara Bronin told me about at YIMBYtown. Finished 11/7/25
Robert Caro
Audiobook started 11/18/25
The Yellow House
Sarah M. Broom
Started 11/11/25
Transportation for the Abundant Society
Gregory H. Shill and Jonathan Levine
Long journal article that Sara Bronin told me about at YIMBYtown. Finished 11/7/25
Books I’m reading or read this year
The Triumph of the City
Edward Glaeser
Started during Thanksgiving break
Arbitrary Lines
Nolan M. Gray
Started 12/5/25 at Arturo’s underground
Phenomenology of Spirit
Hegel
Reading selected passages. Nov/Dec 2025
The Triumph of the City
Edward Glaeser
Started during Thanksgiving break
Arbitrary Lines
Nolan M. Gray
Started 12/5/25 at Arturo’s underground
Phenomenology of Spirit
Hegel
Reading selected passages. Nov/Dec 2025
December 29, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Books I’m reading or read this year
The Triumph of the City
Edward Glaeser
Started during Thanksgiving break
Arbitrary Lines
Nolan M. Gray
Started 12/5/25 at Arturo’s underground
Phenomenology of Spirit
Hegel
Reading selected passages. Nov/Dec 2025
The Triumph of the City
Edward Glaeser
Started during Thanksgiving break
Arbitrary Lines
Nolan M. Gray
Started 12/5/25 at Arturo’s underground
Phenomenology of Spirit
Hegel
Reading selected passages. Nov/Dec 2025
We’ll start broadcasting on the webinar just before 4pm central time. Here’s the link to get in:
us02web.zoom.us/j/8214675005...
Passcode:694106
6pm Woozyhelmet*
5pm David Israel
4pm Colin Swietek and the One Tough Customer
*Featuring informative powerpoint presentations
us02web.zoom.us/j/8214675005...
Passcode:694106
6pm Woozyhelmet*
5pm David Israel
4pm Colin Swietek and the One Tough Customer
*Featuring informative powerpoint presentations
Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting
Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.
us02web.zoom.us
December 20, 2025 at 4:09 PM
We’ll start broadcasting on the webinar just before 4pm central time. Here’s the link to get in:
us02web.zoom.us/j/8214675005...
Passcode:694106
6pm Woozyhelmet*
5pm David Israel
4pm Colin Swietek and the One Tough Customer
*Featuring informative powerpoint presentations
us02web.zoom.us/j/8214675005...
Passcode:694106
6pm Woozyhelmet*
5pm David Israel
4pm Colin Swietek and the One Tough Customer
*Featuring informative powerpoint presentations
Merry Woozyhelmet Eve, everybody!
December 20, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Merry Woozyhelmet Eve, everybody!
When your punk band is over 25 years old, it’s important to play at least one show a year.
I’ll be doing that tomorrow 12/20/25.
We — Woozyhelmet — play at 6pm. Free. Kids welcome. It’s a dive bar and we’ll be loud, but also there will be informative short PowerPoints. (This is in Austin)
I’ll be doing that tomorrow 12/20/25.
We — Woozyhelmet — play at 6pm. Free. Kids welcome. It’s a dive bar and we’ll be loud, but also there will be informative short PowerPoints. (This is in Austin)
December 19, 2025 at 4:42 PM
When your punk band is over 25 years old, it’s important to play at least one show a year.
I’ll be doing that tomorrow 12/20/25.
We — Woozyhelmet — play at 6pm. Free. Kids welcome. It’s a dive bar and we’ll be loud, but also there will be informative short PowerPoints. (This is in Austin)
I’ll be doing that tomorrow 12/20/25.
We — Woozyhelmet — play at 6pm. Free. Kids welcome. It’s a dive bar and we’ll be loud, but also there will be informative short PowerPoints. (This is in Austin)
Reposted by Jay Blazek Crossley
Mondays, ammirite?
December 15, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Mondays, ammirite?
Reposted by Jay Blazek Crossley
Collin County Connects Committee members dissent against alternative options proposed
Collin County Connects Committee members dissent against alternative options proposed
Plano’s 4C wraps up without making a recommendation
l.ridewithdata.org
December 12, 2025 at 5:08 AM
Collin County Connects Committee members dissent against alternative options proposed
The Texas legislature passed a bill on this issue that we supported in 2023. HB 3558 by Rep. Perez and Sen. Alvarado clarifies that you have to stop properly and exactly where, removing perceived ambiguity with the old text of the law.
capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...
capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...
Texas Legislature Online - 88(R) History for HB 3558
capitol.texas.gov
December 11, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The Texas legislature passed a bill on this issue that we supported in 2023. HB 3558 by Rep. Perez and Sen. Alvarado clarifies that you have to stop properly and exactly where, removing perceived ambiguity with the old text of the law.
capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...
capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...
We have some of the best work in the nation on investing efficiently in solutions that nudge significantly better behavior from most drivers, right here in Austin.
bsky.app/profile/jayc...
bsky.app/profile/jayc...
What you see in these pictures is extraordinarily smart, fiscally responsible infrastructure investment.
Otherwise known as a few plastic sticks placed in exactly the best place.
Otherwise known as a few plastic sticks placed in exactly the best place.
December 11, 2025 at 2:09 PM
We have some of the best work in the nation on investing efficiently in solutions that nudge significantly better behavior from most drivers, right here in Austin.
bsky.app/profile/jayc...
bsky.app/profile/jayc...
I have a close old friend who lives in McMinnville who is a progressive & loving person who stands up for what she believes & helps people, but isn’t one of us urbanist nerds.
So it’s funny to wonder what you were up to there & whether she got entangled with NIMBYs or helped you do something good.
So it’s funny to wonder what you were up to there & whether she got entangled with NIMBYs or helped you do something good.
December 10, 2025 at 7:17 PM
I have a close old friend who lives in McMinnville who is a progressive & loving person who stands up for what she believes & helps people, but isn’t one of us urbanist nerds.
So it’s funny to wonder what you were up to there & whether she got entangled with NIMBYs or helped you do something good.
So it’s funny to wonder what you were up to there & whether she got entangled with NIMBYs or helped you do something good.
Austin would have had public fiber internet infrastructure connecting every building in the city in the 1990s (allowing private & public entities to provide services), but the same people who kept Austin from building a great transit system around that time (led by Mike Levy) killed that plan.
A new study has found that Chattanooga, Tennessee's decision to build their own affordable community-owned fiber broadband network has driven $5.3 billion in economic benefits back to the community.
From my colleague and friend @seangon.bsky.social:
From my colleague and friend @seangon.bsky.social:
Chattanooga’s Municipal Fiber Network Has Delivered $5.3 Billion in Community Benefits, New Study Finds | Welcome to Community Networks
Since 2011, a new study finds that Chattanooga's city-owned fiber network has generated $5.3 billion in net community benefits for Hamilton County. Conducted by researchers at the University of Tennes...
communitynets.org
December 9, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Austin would have had public fiber internet infrastructure connecting every building in the city in the 1990s (allowing private & public entities to provide services), but the same people who kept Austin from building a great transit system around that time (led by Mike Levy) killed that plan.
I was asked (in a mail survey) to speak to my city’s leadership and took that opportunity to suggest a regional equitable transit-oriented development strategy.
December 5, 2025 at 7:15 PM
I was asked (in a mail survey) to speak to my city’s leadership and took that opportunity to suggest a regional equitable transit-oriented development strategy.
“Texans can and should demand that all elected officials work honestly and collaboratively … to keep us safe when we are riding in cars and trucks, riding on bicycles, walking or using a wheelchair, or riding in transit,” Crossley said.
November 30, 2025 at 9:55 PM
“Texans can and should demand that all elected officials work honestly and collaboratively … to keep us safe when we are riding in cars and trucks, riding on bicycles, walking or using a wheelchair, or riding in transit,” Crossley said.
“While there are of course disagreements about how to save lives and many examples of the us-vs.-them wars on bicycles and cars, Houston appears to be the only large government that I am aware of that has publicly shifted away from the safe systems approach to ending traffic deaths.”
November 30, 2025 at 9:55 PM
“While there are of course disagreements about how to save lives and many examples of the us-vs.-them wars on bicycles and cars, Houston appears to be the only large government that I am aware of that has publicly shifted away from the safe systems approach to ending traffic deaths.”
“Every single level of government can and should do what the people of Texas overwhelmingly support, which is to work hard to reduce the number of people dying from traffic deaths.”
November 30, 2025 at 9:55 PM
“Every single level of government can and should do what the people of Texas overwhelmingly support, which is to work hard to reduce the number of people dying from traffic deaths.”