Michael Sullivan
Editorial byline
Michael Sullivan is an editorial byline for Today In My City, with a focus on City Hall, Politics & Policy, Election Coverage. Biographical credentials and external profiles are published only after verification.
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Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
My City's Transit Faces Crisis Without Decisive Action
While New York City's Mayor and Governor recently announced ambitious plans to speed up their buses, an author for OregonLive questioned whether our region still cares about TriMet and ensuring a stro
Sep 6, 2026 · 4 min read
How City Hall Decisions Shape Public Transit Policy and Funding
In Winston-Salem, the City Council directly appoints all eight members of the Transit Authority, effectively granting local politicians complete control over the city's bus system operations and fundi
Aug 28, 2026 · 5 min read
How City Council Decisions Shape Neighborhood Development
At public engagement events shaping local development in 2026, older, white homeowners are often overrepresented, while renters and people of color are frequently left out, skewing decisions that affe
Aug 11, 2026 · 4 min read
Federal grants fuel transit agency modernization plans for 2026
Chatham County commissioners approved a $42 million budget for the local transit agency, the Chatham Area Transit (CAT), but only after demanding a forensic audit, route restorations, and renegotiated
Aug 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Transit's financial cliff: Ballot measures may not avert cuts
To prevent immediate service cuts, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District's Fiscal Year 2027 budget relies on $88.
Aug 4, 2026 · 4 min read
How Public Arts Funding Works: Federal, State, and Local Grants Explained
Public arts funding in the U.S. operates across federal, state, and local government tiers, each offering distinct grant types, eligibility criteria, and application timelines. Understanding this multi-tiered system is crucial for artists and organizations seeking financial support for their projects.
Jul 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Federal transit funding cuts will cripple local transit.
Valley Transit, Mat-Su's primary public bus service, faces canceling all Saturday service and halving bus routes because a proposed $250,000 local funding cut will trigger a disproportionate $750,000
Jul 5, 2026 · 3 min read
EVs Will Cause Public Transit Gridlock By 2026
Despite their environmental benefits, the presence of electric cars in bus lanes actively impedes the efficiency of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in urban centers, creating significant delays for th
Jun 24, 2026 · 3 min read
After 50 Years, Peter Holsten Is Selling His Entire Chicago Affordable Housing Platform — 2,638 Units, 17 Buildings and All
After 50 years, Chicago affordable housing pioneer Peter Holsten is selling his entire platform, including 2,638 units across 17 buildings and his development and management companies. The landmark transaction marks a significant generational shift for the city's public-private housing strategy.
Jun 24, 2026 · 4 min read
Free Public Transit for Seniors in Cities Sparks Fierce Debate
Seoul Metro reported a staggering 383.
Jun 21, 2026 · 3 min read
What the Model Cities Experiment Got Right—and Where It Fell Short
The Model Cities Program, launched in the 1960s, aimed to address urban poverty structurally through community empowerment and coordinated services, but fell short of its promise. Its ambitious goals and challenges offer crucial lessons for contemporary housing justice and urban planning debates.
Jun 20, 2026 · 5 min read
The Triple-Win of Public Transit: Fueling Greener, Fairer, and Richer Cities
Investing in robust public transportation is essential for creating cities that are environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically vibrant. Prioritizing transit offers a comprehensive solution to modern urban challenges, fostering sustainable growth and improving quality of life for all residents.
Jun 7, 2026 · 4 min read
The Bay Area's Transit Crossroads: Will Voters Fund the Future or Force Deep Cuts?
Bay Area voters face a critical choice this November with a ballot measure proposing a new sales tax to prevent severe cuts to public transit. The Regional Transit Measure aims to address an $800 million annual deficit, with voters deciding between increased taxes for service preservation or significant service reductions.
Jun 3, 2026 · 4 min read
What the BUILD America 250 Act Changes: Funding, Oversight and New Local Opportunities
The BUILD America 250 Act is a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill authorizing $580 billion for infrastructure. It consolidates grant programs, raises environmental oversight thresholds, and creates new funding opportunities for local governments, building on the IIJA.
May 19, 2026 · 5 min read