ASC's Intersections Newsletter — February 2nd, 2024
Nora's Note
Honoring legacy and celebrating Black History Month. This week is the start of Black History Month in the US, and the New York City area is full of events honoring the legacy and vibrance of Black History in conjunction with this year’s theme, African Americans and the Arts. From concerts, talks and hikes in New York City Parks; to literary events and resources for all ages with the New York Public Library; to walking tours exploring the anti-slavery movement in Brooklyn and stops along the Underground Railroad in Queens, New Yorkers have no shortage of ways to celebrate Black History. And as Black business ownership grows at the fastest pace in 30 years, organizations such as the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs continue to drive equity and advancement in Black-owned businesses across industries. This Black History month and beyond, ASC celebrates the strength and creativity of the Black community as we forge partnerships for a more equitable future.
Transportation
NYU Rudin Center for Transportation releases report looking at path to achieving full accessibility in NYC transit system. A new report emphasizes the importance of capital funding from the Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP) to support the MTA's commitment of making 95% of subway stations ADA accessible by 2055. Currently, 30% of subway stations have accessibility features, limiting services for the 13% of New Yorkers living with physical disabilities. Read more for recommendations including cost containment measures and new technology for more inclusive public transit. (Source: Mass Transit Mag)
Smart Cities Dive: California’s Brightline West high-speed rail project gets $2.5B in bonds
WKBW: $13 million federal grant to help New York State improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Street Blog USA: How Small Cities Are Winning Big Money for Street Safety
Climate
Plastic bag bans have already prevented billions of bags from being used, report finds. Three hundred single-use plastic bags per person per year are being saved from landfills thanks to city and state plastic bag bans. While single-use plastic bags can litter and pollute the environment and harm animal and human health, paper and reusable bags also have drawbacks. To better understand the impacts of different kinds of bags, environmentalists are turning to life cycle analysis. Read more about single-use plastic bag bans and their impacts. (Source: Grist)
Canary Media: A novel way to improve energy efficiency: Take over the utility bill
WDET: Strategic Fund board approves incentives for EV, battery projects
Bay Journal: Largest solar array in Pennsylvania begins producing power
Economic Development
Gov. Healey announces housing assistance aimed at supporting 1,900 units across Mass. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced a suite of housing projects to be developed with funding from the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The projects, two of which are designated affordable, include mixed-use and adaptative reuse housing and will receive over $100 million in funding. Gov. Healey also highlighted her administration’s proposed Affordable Homes Act, which includes a $4.1 billion spending and tax credit package, to stimulate further housing development across the state. Read more about investments in housing assistance in Massachusetts. (Source: NBC Boston)
Business Insider: Quitting jobs for more pay shows confidence in US economy, labor market
Crains New York: 7,000 homes could surround new Bronx Metro-North stops under city plan
Route Fifty: One city’s effort to cancel $2B in residents’ medical debt
Digital
How tech can democratize community engagement. Facing a nationwide housing shortage, some cities are leveraging technology to engage residents in housing development discussions. Officials in Elk Grove, California partnered with a tech company to create a simulation of the municipal planning process, allowing residents to participate in the decision-making process by identifying sites for 4,000 new units. Read more about how tech can help amplify a greater diversity of voices and identify possible solutions in community engagement. (Source: Route Fifty)
GovTech: An Arizona City Is Folding New Tech into Its Recycling Program
Axios: AI is helping school districts navigate bus driver shortages
Smart Cities Dive: Mayors urge Congress to fund broadband access program for low-income households
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