Watch Blueprint America

Blueprint America is a documentary series produced by PBS Video in 2005, focused on the issues of infrastructure and development in the United States. Over the course of eight episodes, the series examines various challenges facing America's cities and transportation systems, and explores innovative solutions being undertaken by planners, engineers, and community leaders.

Each episode of Blueprint America takes a deep dive into a particular issue, such as the aging bridges and highways of New York City, the challenges of providing affordable housing in San Francisco, and the expansion of commuter rail in the Midwest. Through interviews with experts and stakeholders, as well as on-the-ground footage of construction projects and community events, the series provides a comprehensive look at the complex processes involved in modernizing and improving America's infrastructure.

But Blueprint America is more than just a dry look at the nuts and bolts of urban planning. The series also places a strong emphasis on the human impact of infrastructure development, examining how changes to transportation and housing can affect the lives of individuals and communities. For example, one episode follows the struggle of a low-income family in Florida to find stable housing in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, while another explores the challenges faced by immigrant workers who rely on New York City's subway system to get to their jobs.

Throughout the series, there is a sense of urgency and even crisis, as many of the issues facing American infrastructure are portrayed as urgent and neglected. This is particularly true of the first episode, titled "Beyond the Motor City," which focuses on the decline of Detroit's once-vibrant transportation system and the challenges of revitalizing it in the face of economic decline and political turmoil. But even when examining more hopeful case studies, such as the construction of a new light rail system in Minneapolis, the series remains cognizant of the obstacles and compromises involved in any effort to build or improve infrastructure.

Overall, Blueprint America is a well-constructed and engaging documentary series that offers valuable insights into some of the most pressing issues facing American cities and communities. Its focus on both technical and social challenges, as well as its emphasis on human stories and perspectives, make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in urban planning, transportation, or social justice. Despite having been produced over 15 years ago, many of the issues addressed in the series remain relevant, and its lessons and examples can still inspire and inform efforts to improve America's infrastructure in the years to come.