ASC's Intersections Newsletter — December 14th, 2023
Nora's Note
Real work with Artificial Intelligence. This week the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a highly anticipated comprehensive report on the current and planned use of artificial intelligence (AI) in federal agencies. The report highlighted both the current benefits of AI as well as persistent challenges in tracking and defining its use. AI tools are already key players in more than 1,200 government projects, a number that will only grow with time. In such a rapidly evolving technological landscape, ensuring the public is informed about the benefits, risks, and key considerations of AI in government work is essential to maintaining trust and advancing public engagement projects. This knowledge not only empowers individuals to actively participate in discussions and provide input on policy decisions, but it also ensures greater inclusion and access as we look to mitigate the possible biases of AI and ensure all communities are heard in public projects.
Transportation
NYCEDC says NYC Ferry ridership is at record levels. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has issued a report that NYC Ferry Ridership has increased 23% year over year from 2022 bringing it to its highest ridership ever. Bolstered by the 2022 NYC Ferry Forward Plan, addressing accessibility and sustainability, the results have allowed the Ferry system to speed up travel times and provide discounted fares to eligible New Yorkers as part of the Fair Fares NYC program. Read more to learn about growing public transportation networks in your area. (Source: Marine Log)
Mass Transit: MTA launches wide-aisle fare gates and new customer service center
Mass Transit: Cities Hope AI Camera Enforcement Can Improve Bus Service
Transport Topics: USDOT Announces $1.5 Billion in Infrastructure Grants
Climate
New life for old coal: Mine lands and power plants are hot renewable development spots. Throughout the United States, old coal plants are being transformed into renewable energy storage sites. With the declining coal sector and transition to clean energy, some states are using securitization to mitigate the impacts of the transition. On the federal-level, the Inflation Reduction Act is expediting the retirement of coal plants, but is also designed to boost economic opportunity and create jobs in coal communities. Read more about the conversion of fossil fuel sites for renewable energy uses. (Source: Route Fifty)
Mass Transit: MTA launches wide-aisle fare gates and new customer service center
Mass Transit: Cities Hope AI Camera Enforcement Can Improve Bus Service
Transport Topics: USDOT Announces $1.5 Billion in Infrastructure Grants
Economic Development
New White House Rule Aims to Curb Evictions in Affordable Housing. The Biden administration is proposing a regulatory parry against hasty evictions in subsidized housing. This maneuver mandates a 30-day notice before eviction proceedings can commence, extending an olive branch to both public and project-based residents. Landlords now face a mandatory grace period, which they must equip tenants with resources and a 30-day reprieve to settle their rental arrears. This strategic expansion underscores the administration's commitment to preventing unnecessary evictions and fostering a more compassionate housing landscape. Read more to understand how tenants will be supported. (Source: Bloomberg)
Axios: U.S. labor market rebalances from pandemic-era extremes
Oklahoma Voice: Oklahoma City schools hope to boost staff diversity with pipeline program
Houston Chronicles: Houston has led U.S. cities in small business job growth for a full year
Digital
How AI Could Change The Healthcare Landscape For Future Pandemics. AI tool EVEscape, developed by Harvard Medical School and the University of Oxford, predicts viral variants before they emerged, aiding vaccine development, tailored treatments, and clear public messaging. This groundbreaking technology could revolutionize pandemic preparation, potentially saving millions of lives by enabling faster vaccine development, personalized treatments, and transparent communication. Embracing AI like EVEscape holds the key to navigating future global health challenges, instilling confidence and trust in pandemic responses. Read more on AI innovation. (Source: Forbes)
Route Fifty: Data literacy: the drive to educate the public sector workforce
Venture Beat: New reinforcement learning method uses human cues to correct its mistakes
Government Technology: The District of Columbia Unveils an AI-Powered Career Platform
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