This post was written by Milly Hawk Daniel, the PolicyLink VP of Communications. She just returned from Denver.

No, infrastructure is not sexy. But somehow, some way, the nation seems to be all abuzz about it.

And in Denver this week, alongside the Democratic National Convention, the Rockefeller Foundation brought together some of the top policy orgs, elected officials, labor reps and private sector leaders — including PolicyLink CEO Angela Glover Blackwell — to talk about how we reinvent our crumbling infrastructure to face 21st Century challenges.

Infrastructure is the backbone of our country — the bridges, tunnels, sewage systems, water supplies and transportation networks that move people and goods.  Our infrastructure is in serious danger of collapse as 100-year old structures and networks go un-repaired and the nation’s growing populations create the demand for new and sustainable ways to meet the needs of all communities. How can the United States be a truly competitive nation in the 21st century when its backbone is weakening and in danger of collapse?

Some municipalities are looking to public-private partnerships for solutions.  Leasing (or even outright selling) highways and toll bridges or farming out the management of public transportation systems can seem like a way to shore up collapsing infrastructure. But without clear protocols to ensure transparency and fairness about how such agreements are reached and maintained, the people in our cities and states will pay the price.  And all too often, the heaviest penalties will fall on those most vulnerable–people in low-income communities and people of color who are denied a voice in answering the classic infrastructure questions:  who benefits, who pays, who decides?

As Angela said - and her fellow panelists agreed - infrastructure is all about people. Addressing the nation’s infrastructure needs could be a way out of our economic woes.  Facing up to our infrastructure challenges could lead to new jobs and a new standing in the global economy.  And as jobs become available, poverty decreases and more families reach the middle class and live the American dream.

You can click here to listen to the full 76-minute panel discussion, featuring Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania, Mayor Shirley Franklin of Atlanta, former Rep. Dick Gephardt, among others. And visit the PolicyLink Center for Infrastructure Equity for some more idea on how to make infrastructure investments work for all communities.

Note: The photo above is of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis, which collapsed just over a year ago on Aug. 1, 2007. For more information on the disaster and links to organizations that are helping victims and their families, please visit Minnesotahelps.org. 

America’s backbone is crumbling. Our schools, our transportation systems, even our water pipes are creaking and worn out. We must deal with this crisis now – and do it in a way that helps all people thrive in communities of true opportunity.

That is why PolicyLink is pleased to announce the creation of the “PolicyLink Center for Infrastructure Equity” to advocate for fair and inclusive public policies and provide community and grassroots leaders, advocates, and public officials with the tools, training, and consultation needed to ensure that public investments in infrastructure create economic opportunity and health in all communities.

The center was officially launched during the opening plenary session at this month’s Regional Equity ‘08 Summit in New Orleans. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), whose Minneapolis district includes the I-35 W Bridge that collapsed in August, helped unveil the center with the video introduction below: