Resisting austerity and privatization in infrastructure is crucial to ensure equitable access to essential services such as water systems, roads, and public transportation–services that serve the entire community and that should be subject to democratic oversight to protect the public interest. Private corporations prioritize profit over public good and the needs of the community, resulting in cutting corners on maintenance, reducing service quality, and ultimately raising prices for consumers.
On Fiat Lux Redux, March 18 at 9AM, a panel at the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley discusses the dangers of austerity and privatization and how communities can resist these trends.
Resisting Austerity: Keeping Public Infrastructure Public is moderated by Wendy Ake, Director of Just Public Finance Her with expertise on public finance and its role in austerity; Donald Cohen the founder and executive director of In the Public Interest with expertise on the topic of privatization and public good; and Joey Algier, Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator for the Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans, and who brings a community-focused perspective on the impacts of austerity on essential services.
Fiat Lux Redux presents previously aired lectures, conversations, and podcasts originating on the campus of UC Berkeley every other Tuesday from 9am to 9:30am. These often-lengthy original programs have been edited to a 30-minute format by experienced KALX producers. The show’s name, Latin for “Let there be light”, is a reference to the University of California’s motto, which is also Fiat Lux. The show’s goal is to provide listeners with a window into the intellectual and cultural life of UC Berkeley and to showcase the wide range of subjects and diversity of thought and ideas that are present at UC Berkeley.
This episode of Fiat Lux Redux was edited by Erin Foster. If you have questions or comments about Fiat Lux Redux, contact lisa.katovich@gmail.com.
