American infrastructure is often criticized for being inefficient and outdated compared to other countries, like China with its rapid development. The roots of these issues can be traced back to urban renewal programs in the 1950s and 1960s that displaced communities and failed to achieve their goals. The aftermath of urban renewal has led to a slow and costly public development process that favors the wealthy and obstructs progress. Environmental laws meant to protect the environment often hinder beneficial projects like high-speed rail and green energy initiatives. In contrast, countries like Austria and Japan have more efficient land-use policies that prioritize community input without stifling progress. The overall outlook for U.S. infrastructure is grim, with a lack of long-term planning and foresight leading to housing shortages and rising rent prices. The failure to address the mistakes of urban renewal continues to plague American cities, while other countries like China are reaping the benefits of proactive development.
https://darrellowens.substack.com/p/how-urban-renewal-ruined-everything