ASC's Intersections Newsletter — December 16

Nora's Note

Happy Holidays from ASC! As we wind down with 2022's final Intersections, we thank our readers for joining us each week to consider the state of things in the sectors that impact our lives and environment. We’re especially grateful to the projects and clients that have enlisted our team to engage the public in considering initiatives and ideas that can save, change, and improve lives.  

We look forward to bringing you more of the latest in transportation, energy, and economic development when we return in 2023. 


Meanwhile, have a happy and healthy holiday season. We wish you joy.


Transportation

Shared micromobility ridership nearly doubled in 2021. A new report released by National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) states that shared micromobility ridership accounted for 112 million trips in 2021, almost double the 60 million trips taken in 2020. The push from city governments to invest in underserved communities, strengthened equity requirements for operators, and changing travel patterns as a result of the pandemic have led to an expansion of these programs across the US. Read more to learn how shared e-bikes, scooters, and more are on the rise. (Source: Smart Cities Dive) 


Energy/Environment

West Coast’s first offshore wind sale tops $750M. Five energy companies won leases to develop floating offshore wind turbines off the coast of California, including Equinor Renewables US. The development will power over 1.5 million homes, continue to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and support domestic workforce training and community engagement initiatives. The development aligns with the current administration’s target for offshore wind energy to produce 30 gigawatts of energy by 2030 and 110 gigawatts by 2045. Read more about the auction and the future of offshore wind development in the US. (Source: The Hill) 

  • CNN: Nuclear fusion breakthrough a milestone for the future of clean energy, US officials say 

  • Grist: That empty space next to highways? Put solar panels on it. 

  • Energy News Network: Study: Maine is a leader in New England when it comes to preparing for climate change 

  • Los Angeles Times: In historic move, Los Angeles bans new oil wells, phases out existing ones 


Economic Development

Owning a home costs 35% more than renting in high-growth cities. A recent study focusing on multifamily markets found that owning a home costs significantly more than renting in high-growth cities. While rents over the past year have seen steady increases, data shows the rental market is beginning to slow. With increased mortgage rates and growing barriers to homeownership, more families may opt to rent, keeping vacancy levels low and the rental market hot. Read more on anticipated patterns in the housing market for the year to come. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)

  • DCist: D.C. Domestic Workers May Soon Have Employment Protections Under New Bill 

  • Harvard Business Review: Small Businesses Play a Big Role in Supply-Chain Resilience 

  • Smart Cities Dive: Hidden assets: With reskilling programs, cities are turning existing employees into tech workers 

  • Construction Dive: Tech sector decline saps office construction comeback 


About Arch Street Communications

At ASC, we help government agencies, corporations and nonprofit organizations across the globe communicate issues that affect people’s lives. We’re the bold, nimble, women-owned small business (WBE) that has supported strategic communications programs to build stronger communities for 30 years.


Ready to find the “simple truth” solutions to build a better future? We want to hear from you! Get in touch to learn how our signature approach can work for you.

Subscribe to Arch Street Communications' Newsletter Intersections

Follow us on FacebookLinkedIn, and Twitter

Previous
Previous

ASC's Intersections Newsletter — January 20

Next
Next

ASC's Intersections Newsletter — December 9