ASC's Intersections Newsletter — February 20th, 2025
Nora’s Note
High-speed rail is gaining momentum across the U.S., with projects in California, Texas, Florida, and the Northeast Corridor promising to redefine travel. These developments are fueled by federal funding and private investment, aiming to create faster, more sustainable transportation options. But laying tracks isn’t enough. The success of these ambitious projects depends on clear, proactive communication that keeps communities informed, engaged, and confident in the long-term vision.
The latest updates on high-speed rail projects highlight both progress and challenges. In California, the long-awaited bullet train has secured new funding and is making headway on critical segments. Texas is defending its Dallas-to-Houston line. In the Northeast, Amtrak’s upgrades to existing infrastructure signal a step toward the future of rail. Each project underscores the need for effective public outreach, ensuring that residents, businesses, and stakeholders understand the benefits and milestones along the way.
Arch Street Communications knows that infrastructure projects thrive when communication is prioritized. Whether it’s breaking down complex funding structures, clarifying construction timelines, or highlighting long-term economic and environmental benefits, strategic messaging ensures that these transformative projects don’t just move forward—they bring people along for the ride.
Transportation
Vehicle traffic is down in Manhattan, but pedestrian traffic is up, data says. New York City’s Congestion Zone pricing has been a success so far. Major business districts such as Grand Central, SoHo, and West Village have increases in pedestrian traffic from 13% to 20% as compared to this time last year. This comes with a 7% decrease in vehicles entering the congestion zone below 60th street in Manhattan. Some business owners are still skeptical about increases in delivery fees or a potential decrease in employee retention. Read more about NYC congestion pricing. (Source: Gothamist)
Smart Cities Dive: Intercity bus service on the upswing
Mass Transit: New York Gov. Hochul to invest $150 million to connect LIRR’s Ronkonkoma Station with proposed North Terminal at MacArthur Airport
GovTech: Long Beach, Calif., Works Toward Zero-Emission Trash Trucks
Climate
New York State Allocates $60M Funding for NYC EV Charging Stalls. Through NY Green Bank, this announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul comes just after the Federal Highway Administration’s suspension of national EV charging infrastructure funding. The project will include a total of 267 charging stalls across nine sites, with 44 near La Guardia Airport, and 24 at JFK International Airport. The remaining 110 will be built throughout Queens, Brooklyn, and The Bronx. Read more about the project. (Source: EnergyTech)
Economic Development
Proposed 'REST Act' would make it easier for NY communities to pursue rent control. Upstate New York municipalities may soon be able to institute rent control, if REST ACT passes. Supporters say it will free cities like Poughkeepsie and Newburgh from the litigation and red tape surrounding vacancy studies. Opponents of the bill, including associations representing landlords, claim it places undue pressure on small business landlords and that focus should be put on building more housing. Read more about the REST ACT and rent stabilization. (Source: WAMC)
Rebusiness Online: Housing trust group breaks ground on $185M affordable housing development in Miami
Chalkbeat: Detroit Public Schools board members fight for the use of vacant school buildings to provide shelter for homeless families
NC Newsline: North Carolina lawmakers propose ‘work-and-save’ retirement program for small businesses
Digital
AI translation tools could improve trust in public safety efforts. As close to 200,000 Los Angeles County residents were ordered to evacuate last month due to the wildfires, law enforcement and tech professionals realized they needed a way to quickly translate emergency orders for non-English speakers. They used Wordly, an AI language translation tool that provides live translations of news broadcasts through a cloud connection. Their goal was not only to offer real-time translations to all citizens but also to build public trust in AI as its use becomes more widespread. Their collaboration showcases how AI-powered tools can strengthen emergency preparedness and crisis communications, offering a scalable solution for cities and governments to improve public safety efforts in the future. Read more for details on the tool’s uses and collaborators. (Source: Route Fifty)
GovTech: Georgia Lawmakers Push for New Drone Regulations
Tech Crunch: Google expands Family Link parental controls with screen time tools, approved contacts, and more
MSN: Broadband price drop announced for New Yorkers as new initiative comes into act
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.
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