Micheál Podgers
@michealpodgers.bsky.social
Yassssssifying infrastructure.
📍Chicago
👨🏻💻Urban Planner
🗣️ EN DE FR NL GA
Professional account. All opinions my own.
📍Chicago
👨🏻💻Urban Planner
🗣️ EN DE FR NL GA
Professional account. All opinions my own.
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
Launched today: the State Economic Power Project! This dives into cost of living + climate, on 2 pillars: (1) household budgets and (2) state budgets. Thank you Sarah Bloom Raskin, @jordanhaedtler.bsky.social @kostyack.bsky.social @advitt.bsky.social
climatecabineteducation.org/state-econom...
climatecabineteducation.org/state-econom...
State Economic Power Project Resources - Climate Cabinet Education
Check this page for policy resources related to insurance regulation, disaster recovery policy, and more.
climatecabineteducation.org
November 13, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Launched today: the State Economic Power Project! This dives into cost of living + climate, on 2 pillars: (1) household budgets and (2) state budgets. Thank you Sarah Bloom Raskin, @jordanhaedtler.bsky.social @kostyack.bsky.social @advitt.bsky.social
climatecabineteducation.org/state-econom...
climatecabineteducation.org/state-econom...
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
Fuck every alder who voted against plowing the sidewalks in chicago. I hope you don't slip and fall and break some bones.
Special fuck you to the alder who did some terrible "back of the napkin" math. Stop ruining our lives!!!!
Photos from a two block stretch of a busy commercial corridor.
Special fuck you to the alder who did some terrible "back of the napkin" math. Stop ruining our lives!!!!
Photos from a two block stretch of a busy commercial corridor.
November 11, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Fuck every alder who voted against plowing the sidewalks in chicago. I hope you don't slip and fall and break some bones.
Special fuck you to the alder who did some terrible "back of the napkin" math. Stop ruining our lives!!!!
Photos from a two block stretch of a busy commercial corridor.
Special fuck you to the alder who did some terrible "back of the napkin" math. Stop ruining our lives!!!!
Photos from a two block stretch of a busy commercial corridor.
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
As someone else posted: "Why does the House, the largest chamber, not simply eat the Senate?"
I've said it before, and I will say it again.
We need courageous leaders that put working families at the center of all they do.
8 democrats caving to empty promises is an indefensible leadership failure
For the sake of our country, Schumer needs to resign.
We need courageous leaders that put working families at the center of all they do.
8 democrats caving to empty promises is an indefensible leadership failure
For the sake of our country, Schumer needs to resign.
November 10, 2025 at 6:48 PM
As someone else posted: "Why does the House, the largest chamber, not simply eat the Senate?"
So grateful to be able to continue to support the work @betterstreetschicago.org does. From volunteer to staff to coalition partner to funder I’m glad to keep this work going.
We're so grateful for the generous support of Micheál Podgers, helping power our work for another year!
If you'd like to join them to in helping sustain our advocacy, we invite you to join us TONIGHT for our 3rd Annual Fundraiser!
🎟️ betterstreetschicago.org/annual-fundr...
If you'd like to join them to in helping sustain our advocacy, we invite you to join us TONIGHT for our 3rd Annual Fundraiser!
🎟️ betterstreetschicago.org/annual-fundr...
November 10, 2025 at 7:29 PM
So grateful to be able to continue to support the work @betterstreetschicago.org does. From volunteer to staff to coalition partner to funder I’m glad to keep this work going.
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
November 10, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
See an unplowed sidewalk today? We want to see it!
Be sure to post and use the tag #PlowTheSidewalks — oh and be sure to tag your alderperson too, letting them know you still want to see a pilot program!
Be sure to post and use the tag #PlowTheSidewalks — oh and be sure to tag your alderperson too, letting them know you still want to see a pilot program!
November 10, 2025 at 7:07 PM
See an unplowed sidewalk today? We want to see it!
Be sure to post and use the tag #PlowTheSidewalks — oh and be sure to tag your alderperson too, letting them know you still want to see a pilot program!
Be sure to post and use the tag #PlowTheSidewalks — oh and be sure to tag your alderperson too, letting them know you still want to see a pilot program!
November 10, 2025 at 5:51 AM
The Illinois General Assembly made a transformative investment in transit across the state by passing the NITA Act, which authorizes critical transit governance reforms for the Chicago region and also invests an additional $1.5 billion in state funding to transit — annually!
With a 35/22 vote, transit funding and reform passes the Illinois Senate. An historic governance reform and $1.5 billion annual investment in transit proceeds!
Transit funding passed the Illinois House 72/32. Off to the Senate!
November 7, 2025 at 8:28 PM
The Illinois General Assembly made a transformative investment in transit across the state by passing the NITA Act, which authorizes critical transit governance reforms for the Chicago region and also invests an additional $1.5 billion in state funding to transit — annually!
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
ice/border patrol active in aurora, another area frequently targeted over the last couple months.
also back in wheaton, west chicago, st. charles, niles.
rapid responders confirm ice presence at both the kane and dupage county courthouses. www.facebook.com/share/p/17fb...
also back in wheaton, west chicago, st. charles, niles.
rapid responders confirm ice presence at both the kane and dupage county courthouses. www.facebook.com/share/p/17fb...
November 7, 2025 at 4:27 PM
ice/border patrol active in aurora, another area frequently targeted over the last couple months.
also back in wheaton, west chicago, st. charles, niles.
rapid responders confirm ice presence at both the kane and dupage county courthouses. www.facebook.com/share/p/17fb...
also back in wheaton, west chicago, st. charles, niles.
rapid responders confirm ice presence at both the kane and dupage county courthouses. www.facebook.com/share/p/17fb...
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
federal agents are back in the skokie/evanston area this morning.
this video, posted to facebook about 10 minutes ago, shows federal agents driving through the williamsburg village subdivision amid construction vehicles parked along the road.
lots of residents out with whistles.
this video, posted to facebook about 10 minutes ago, shows federal agents driving through the williamsburg village subdivision amid construction vehicles parked along the road.
lots of residents out with whistles.
November 7, 2025 at 4:06 PM
federal agents are back in the skokie/evanston area this morning.
this video, posted to facebook about 10 minutes ago, shows federal agents driving through the williamsburg village subdivision amid construction vehicles parked along the road.
lots of residents out with whistles.
this video, posted to facebook about 10 minutes ago, shows federal agents driving through the williamsburg village subdivision amid construction vehicles parked along the road.
lots of residents out with whistles.
Fran Spielman needs to retire. Her reporting is absolutely a detriment to Chicago.
November 7, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Fran Spielman needs to retire. Her reporting is absolutely a detriment to Chicago.
One of the first things the new NITA board needs to do is convert the UPN into to regional rail. Built a third track, add infill stations at Irving Park Road, Belmont, Fullerton, and Halsted/Division, and put up some wires! This line needs CalTrain levels of investment with development levels.
Slightly insane that there's a 500 foot, 460 unit highrise going up literally on Goose Island chicagoyimby.com/2025/11/firs...
First Construction Permit Issued For Halsted Pointe With Revised Masterplan - Chicago YIMBY
A construction permit has been issued for the first tower within the Halsted Pointe development at 931 North Halsted Street on Goose Island.
chicagoyimby.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:15 PM
One of the first things the new NITA board needs to do is convert the UPN into to regional rail. Built a third track, add infill stations at Irving Park Road, Belmont, Fullerton, and Halsted/Division, and put up some wires! This line needs CalTrain levels of investment with development levels.
Bring em back!
Here's a photo of the old Chicago streetcar rails under Western Ave. that have been uncovered by construction. I took this from the Brown Line platform.
November 6, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Bring em back!
This is good news. I’m glad to see the Mayor came around on this. Although it’s hard not to feel a little bitter that the administration managed to utterly sideline advocates who rang the alarm in the process. So thank you @betterstreetschicago.org @hsrail.bsky.social and the Chaddick Institute.
“If the terminal were to close, Chicago would become the largest city in the northern hemisphere to not have an intercity bus terminal, according to a policy brief released last summer by DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute.” 🚍
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/5...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/5...
City Plans To Buy Greyhound Bus Station Downtown
Ald. Bill Conway said he discovered a $50 million line item for the bus station tucked into tax-increment financing reports. The Mayor's Office confirmed the city intends to use the money to purchase ...
blockclubchicago.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:18 PM
This is good news. I’m glad to see the Mayor came around on this. Although it’s hard not to feel a little bitter that the administration managed to utterly sideline advocates who rang the alarm in the process. So thank you @betterstreetschicago.org @hsrail.bsky.social and the Chaddick Institute.
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
Transportation, infrastructure, and urban design are some of the most effective tools for long-term Progressive power building.
November 6, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Transportation, infrastructure, and urban design are some of the most effective tools for long-term Progressive power building.
After much needed rest, it is finally sinking in what happened last Friday: the Illinois General Assembly passed some incredibly important progressive legislation, including two packages that will significantly decrease pollution and save families money. This includes a huge investment in transit.
November 3, 2025 at 6:17 PM
After much needed rest, it is finally sinking in what happened last Friday: the Illinois General Assembly passed some incredibly important progressive legislation, including two packages that will significantly decrease pollution and save families money. This includes a huge investment in transit.
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
I’ve been told this is a good one-tweet explainer, what else would make #BuildTheTunnel more palatable to wider audiences?
To put a finer point on it:
• Lots of working-class folks live in 🟢🏘️
• There are lots of jobs in 🟡🏭
• We’ve already built 🔵🚆
• But we’re missing 🔴🛤️
• So those workers have to drive on ⚫️🛣️
• Therefore we should #BuildTheTunnel 🔴🚇
• Lots of working-class folks live in 🟢🏘️
• There are lots of jobs in 🟡🏭
• We’ve already built 🔵🚆
• But we’re missing 🔴🛤️
• So those workers have to drive on ⚫️🛣️
• Therefore we should #BuildTheTunnel 🔴🚇
November 2, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I’ve been told this is a good one-tweet explainer, what else would make #BuildTheTunnel more palatable to wider audiences?
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
It’s so important to celebrate wins — good vibes and momentum are extremely fun and productive. If I was in Chicago I would definitely be going to this
🚊🎉 We did it. We not only saved transit – we secured transformative reforms and funding to grow!
This is the kind of impactful advocacy we need more than ever. Get your tickets and celebrate with us to power our work for another year!
⏰ Nov 5th @ 7pm
📍 Mrs Murphys (3905 N Lincoln Ave)
This is the kind of impactful advocacy we need more than ever. Get your tickets and celebrate with us to power our work for another year!
⏰ Nov 5th @ 7pm
📍 Mrs Murphys (3905 N Lincoln Ave)
2025 Annual Fundraiser — Better Streets Chicago
Get your tickets to Better Streets Chicago's 3rd Annual Fundraiser on November 5th and help power our work for another year!
www.betterstreetschicago.org
November 2, 2025 at 4:23 PM
It’s so important to celebrate wins — good vibes and momentum are extremely fun and productive. If I was in Chicago I would definitely be going to this
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
🚊🎉 We did it. We not only saved transit – we secured transformative reforms and funding to grow!
This is the kind of impactful advocacy we need more than ever. Get your tickets and celebrate with us to power our work for another year!
⏰ Nov 5th @ 7pm
📍 Mrs Murphys (3905 N Lincoln Ave)
This is the kind of impactful advocacy we need more than ever. Get your tickets and celebrate with us to power our work for another year!
⏰ Nov 5th @ 7pm
📍 Mrs Murphys (3905 N Lincoln Ave)
2025 Annual Fundraiser — Better Streets Chicago
Get your tickets to Better Streets Chicago's 3rd Annual Fundraiser on November 5th and help power our work for another year!
www.betterstreetschicago.org
November 1, 2025 at 9:18 PM
🚊🎉 We did it. We not only saved transit – we secured transformative reforms and funding to grow!
This is the kind of impactful advocacy we need more than ever. Get your tickets and celebrate with us to power our work for another year!
⏰ Nov 5th @ 7pm
📍 Mrs Murphys (3905 N Lincoln Ave)
This is the kind of impactful advocacy we need more than ever. Get your tickets and celebrate with us to power our work for another year!
⏰ Nov 5th @ 7pm
📍 Mrs Murphys (3905 N Lincoln Ave)
Thank you! This was a massive team effort!
WE DID IT!!!! Transformative funding for transit, grid upgrades to make 100% possible. I am losing my mind. So proud and happy and also thank goodness ❤️
@climatecabinet.org
@dave.bzky.team
@michealpodgers.bsky.social @ilenviro.bsky.social
@climatecabinet.org
@dave.bzky.team
@michealpodgers.bsky.social @ilenviro.bsky.social
You guys they did it! They passed a major grid upgrades bill and SAVED TRANSIT with a $1.3b reform package! Nice work Illinois!
So proud of the @climatecabinet.org team's work in the coalition to help get this done!
So proud of the @climatecabinet.org team's work in the coalition to help get this done!
November 1, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Thank you! This was a massive team effort!
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
WE DID IT!!!! Transformative funding for transit, grid upgrades to make 100% possible. I am losing my mind. So proud and happy and also thank goodness ❤️
@climatecabinet.org
@dave.bzky.team
@michealpodgers.bsky.social @ilenviro.bsky.social
@climatecabinet.org
@dave.bzky.team
@michealpodgers.bsky.social @ilenviro.bsky.social
You guys they did it! They passed a major grid upgrades bill and SAVED TRANSIT with a $1.3b reform package! Nice work Illinois!
So proud of the @climatecabinet.org team's work in the coalition to help get this done!
So proud of the @climatecabinet.org team's work in the coalition to help get this done!
in the next 5.5 hours, the Illinois lege is gonna be a climate hero or a goat. their call. i vote hero
October 31, 2025 at 1:48 PM
WE DID IT!!!! Transformative funding for transit, grid upgrades to make 100% possible. I am losing my mind. So proud and happy and also thank goodness ❤️
@climatecabinet.org
@dave.bzky.team
@michealpodgers.bsky.social @ilenviro.bsky.social
@climatecabinet.org
@dave.bzky.team
@michealpodgers.bsky.social @ilenviro.bsky.social
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
IT'S TRUE IT HAPPENED. Congrats to the Illinois coalition and @michealpodgers.bsky.social and the rest of the IL team!
BIGGEST STATE LEVEL CLIMATE ACTION OF 2025 👇👇👇👇👇
You guys they did it! They passed a major grid upgrades bill and SAVED TRANSIT with a $1.3b reform package! Nice work Illinois!
So proud of the @climatecabinet.org team's work in the coalition to help get this done!
So proud of the @climatecabinet.org team's work in the coalition to help get this done!
October 31, 2025 at 3:12 PM
IT'S TRUE IT HAPPENED. Congrats to the Illinois coalition and @michealpodgers.bsky.social and the rest of the IL team!
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
Last night, Illinois passed two of the biggest pro-climate laws of 2025
In the final day of session, lawmakers voted for $1.5B in annual transit funding and passed the Clean & Reliable Grid Act
By passing these pro-affordability, pro-climate bills, they've shown what’s possible when states lead 🧵
In the final day of session, lawmakers voted for $1.5B in annual transit funding and passed the Clean & Reliable Grid Act
By passing these pro-affordability, pro-climate bills, they've shown what’s possible when states lead 🧵
October 31, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Last night, Illinois passed two of the biggest pro-climate laws of 2025
In the final day of session, lawmakers voted for $1.5B in annual transit funding and passed the Clean & Reliable Grid Act
By passing these pro-affordability, pro-climate bills, they've shown what’s possible when states lead 🧵
In the final day of session, lawmakers voted for $1.5B in annual transit funding and passed the Clean & Reliable Grid Act
By passing these pro-affordability, pro-climate bills, they've shown what’s possible when states lead 🧵
Reposted by Micheál Podgers
Illinois will becoming the 5th state to eliminate local parking requirements for new development projects near transit, after:
—California (assembly bill 2097, 2022)
—Colorado (house bill 24–1304, 2024)
—Oregon (Land Conservation and Development Commission, 2022)
—Washington (house bill 1491, 2025)
—California (assembly bill 2097, 2022)
—Colorado (house bill 24–1304, 2024)
—Oregon (Land Conservation and Development Commission, 2022)
—Washington (house bill 1491, 2025)
Illinois will effectively eliminate parking minimum requirements in ~all of Chicago and much of its suburbs thanks to the transit funding bill that passed last night.
Also contains parking reform! This is a preliminary map of Chicagoland based on the People Over Parking Act provision.
It would also apply downstate though!
It would also apply downstate though!
October 31, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Illinois will becoming the 5th state to eliminate local parking requirements for new development projects near transit, after:
—California (assembly bill 2097, 2022)
—Colorado (house bill 24–1304, 2024)
—Oregon (Land Conservation and Development Commission, 2022)
—Washington (house bill 1491, 2025)
—California (assembly bill 2097, 2022)
—Colorado (house bill 24–1304, 2024)
—Oregon (Land Conservation and Development Commission, 2022)
—Washington (house bill 1491, 2025)
Crazy to really process this. But, hell yeah, let’s go!
And therefore BIGGEST US PRO-CLIMATE ACTION OF 2025
November 1, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Crazy to really process this. But, hell yeah, let’s go!