ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of April 12, 2021
Nora's Note
What your audience believes is what matters. As we move into a post-COVID world and begin to reconsider in-person public engagement meetings, we’re beginning to hear a wish to leave virtual behind. While we’re all a bit “virtualled-out,” we’re encouraging our clients to talk to their communities before tabling any communication method. We believe virtual is here to stay, and not just for no-touch communication. Virtual engagement has opened the door to audiences that may not have participated before, and when we’re all placing equity high on the priority list for civic planning projects, we need every possible avenue to support and grow involvement.
21 Digital Trends for 2021
Each week, ASC's digital strategies explore the pros, cons and how-tos of using emerging technologies to meet your audiences where they are. Read this week's blog to learn how new augmented reality tools can enhance outreach campaigns by bringing abstract visions to life.
Transportation
EV Shift Becomes Survival Risk for Automakers. Timing could prove to be everything for the widespread adoption of environmentally-friendly electric vehicles and the automakers that back them. A new report finds that car companies will need to ramp up EV production at just the right pace to survive the transition from internal-combustion engines. This comes as more expensive EV options target a small percent of EV buyers. Read on to learn about the study’s predictions for the EV market in 2030.
FHWA Public Roads: Detecting Corrosion in Post-Tensioned Bridges
Philadelphia Inquirer: Testing how navigable SEPTA is, with glasses that see what riders see
Canary Media: How to build an equitable EV infrastructure
Transport Topics: Suez Canal Blockage Ripples Through Trucking Industry
Boston Globe: MBTA plans to spend $2 billion on upgrades, repairs next year
Greater Greater Washington: Make e-scooters work with transit, not against it
Energy News Network: Federal boost helps tech race from lab to car
Stateline: Need a COVID-19 Vaccine? Visit Your Local Transit Center
Energy/Environment
COVID Litter Threatens Wildlife and Environment. Increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the pandemic has supported health and safety goals. Two new studies are highlighting a major negative consequence of the past year: a jump in the number of PPE items found as litter. In March, the Ocean Conservancy reported that their coastal cleanup volunteers collected over 100,000 PPE items in the second half of 2020. Researchers also found that wildlife around the world have been harmed in different ways by PPE litter. Read on to learn more about solutions the researchers propose.
IEEE Spectrum: Solar-to-Hydrogen Tech Sees "Remarkable" Efficiency Jump
UN News: Solar energy powers COVID-19 treatment
PV Magazine: New York Power Authority tests 1 MWh zinc-based battery
PBS Newshour: Wastewater is the infrastructure crisis ‘people don’t want to talk about’
Spectrum News: How New York's Budget Responds to Climate Change
Scientific American: Heat-Trapping Methane Surged in 2020
Fortune: Switching to renewable energy is sometimes dirty. Tech like blockchain can help.
Government Executive: EPA Administrator Instructs Staff to Prioritize Environmental Justice
CBS News: Western U.S. may be entering its most severe drought in modern history
Economic Development
The Right Way to Rebuild Cities for Post-Pandemic Work. As the nature of work changes, cities must improve economic opportunity for all, across race and place. Plans must look beyond remote workers, who are disproportionately higher-wage earners, and factor in the needs of those who cannot work from home and small businesses in disadvantaged communities. Successful recovery will require new thinking about how to make the most of office space, downtown districts and neighborhoods. Read on to learn more about potential solutions for equitable recovery.
NY Times: Local Alliances Put Some Cities on the Fast Track to Recovery
NJ Spotlight: Another slice of aid for NJ’s small businesses
Reuters: What happens when women run the economy? We're about to find out
Gothamist: NY State Budget Includes “Huge” COVID-19 Relief Package For Small Businesses
Journal News: Peekskill proposal would see 160 apartments, hotel, retail near train station
WGRZ: Empire State Development, Preservation Buffalo Niagara award $500k to stabilize historic at-risk buildings
Bklyner: Low-Income Entrepreneurs Could Help Brooklyn’s Economy Recover—How Can the City Support Them?
Bloomberg CityLab: Covid Ruined Our Hangout Spots. Here’s How They Come Back.
Get in touch to learn how our signature approach can work for you.
Subscribe to Arch Street Communications' Newsletter Intersections