ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of April 22, 2021
Nora's Note
The next pivot. It was all about in-person engagement. Then it was all about virtual. But now that we’re looking to the future, what we’re seeing is not a return to what was—but a step into a different normal. For public engagement, that means hybrid engagement. We’re working with clients now to pull the best of both into new ways to connect, build more inclusive participation and address developing perceptions that virtual may be used to silence opposing views. Instead of wishing for what is no more, we’re looking ahead to what can be with a little technology, a lot of creativity and roll up your sleeves strategic can-do. The new hybrid can build on everyone’s wish for connection by creating new interactive communication hubs that move projects forward.
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 geofencing can help you gain more insights from location-specific audiences.
Transportation
Agencies Could Play a Critical Role in Modernizing Transportation. As federal agencies reduce their carbon footprint, new approaches toward their fleet management will support national climate change goals. Key steps that agencies must consider as they work toward fleet electrification include educating and engaging their stakeholders, developing metrics to measure emission reduction and planning for expanded charging infrastructure. Read on to learn more about the role public agencies may play in influencing private organizations and individuals to go electric.
FHWA Public Roads: Focusing on Pedestrian Safety
Transportation Today: Organizations urge the passage of the DRIVE-Safe Act
Gothamist: City Launches First E-Scooter Share Pilot This Summer In The Bronx
Next City: How Chicago Could Build Equity Into Transportation
Bloomberg CityLab: Why Don’t Transit Agencies Do Bikeshare?
The Hill: All new US vehicles could be electric by 2035, new study says
Smart Cities Dive: Transportation groups call for national VMT program
Washington Post: Buttigieg casts proposed transportation budget as down payment on infrastructure
Energy/Environment
California focuses on low-income communities for grid flexibility. Through a $3 million grant, the California Energy Commission is taking action to provide cleaner, more affordable energy for low-income households. The grant will be used to provide households in low-income communities with smart thermostats and plugs, helping households find ways to cut their energy use. The program will not only help cut down on individual energy bills but will also lower strain on the grid at peak consumption times—supporting a more reliable grid. Read on to learn more about why the time for similar grid-related investments across the United States is now.
Time: The Unexpected Ways Climate Change Is Reshaping College Education
Electrek: Here’s why AI will be crucial for future US electrical grid reliability
NPR: U.S., China Agree To Cooperate On Climate Crisis With Urgency
Energy Monitor: The paper industry’s burning secret
amNY: City officially launches $1.45 billion East Side Coastal Resiliency project
CNBC: Monster wind turbines are going to get even bigger
The Guardian: Whitest-ever paint could help cool heating Earth, study shows
GreenBiz: It’s time to collaborate on climate and economic justice solutions
Economic Development
FRA Conducting Federal Funding Disparity Study. In a “first of its kind” survey, the Federal Railroad Administration is currently evaluating how equitably it administers funding to minority-owned and women-owned businesses. The agency has distributed over 20,000 surveys since March to collect input on the availability and use of small, minority, and women-owned businesses on publicly funded railroad projects. Read on to learn how the FRA plans to use this data to promote equitable economic recovery.
WBFO: ECIDA shares options for Shoreline Bike Trail extension
The City: New York City Jobs Jump Trails Nation as Wary Tourists Wait in the Wings
Staten Island Advance: COVID-19 forces city to rethink public health, invests in Pandemic Response Institute
Governing: Cities Focus on Urban Curbs and How to Manage Them
TAPinto Jersey City: Hudson County to Host Webinar Series Exploring '15-Minute City'
Washington Post: Following pandemic, converting office buildings into housing may become new ‘normal’
Government Technology: Philadelphia Uses Innovation Fund to Inspire Agencies to Take Action
CNN: Minority-led small businesses surveyed were hit hardest by the pandemic
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