ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of February 22, 2021
Nora's Note
Breaking News from America’s Small Businesses. We’re closing Black History Month by sharing what Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Black-owned firms have to say about their futures. Before the pandemic, 54% of program alumni were very confident in their ability to secure lines of credits or loans essential to growth. Today, just 30% remain very confident, and only 16% of Black-owned small business alumni are very confident. Black-owned small businesses declined by 41% between February and April 2020, compared with a 17% decline among those owned by whites. With a new administration, a new chance for health and a new year, we’re looking for signs of hope for our fellow alums. You can be sure our 10,000 Small Business Voices will be heard by state and federal electeds in our collective call for support and demand for equity.
New at ASC
Have you checked out our new weekly blog, 21 Digital Trends for 2021, yet? Join ASC digital strategists every Tuesday to learn more about the pros, cons and how-tos of using an emerging technology trend to connect your message with your audience.
Tie Score! We asked for your top challenge in public engagement equity. Here's what you told us: "Ensuring activity participation reflects the demographics of the whole community" and "Providing virtual presentations and content to non-English speakers." Find solutions in the ASC Virtual Engagement Playbook.
Transportation
The Bronx will be home to NYC's first e-scooter share program. Look out—the Bronx is leading the pack! Though NYC is synonymous with innovation, the City had previously been reluctant to develop an e-scooter rental program. NYC DOT recently announced that a new pilot program will bring 2,000-3,000 e-scooters to the borough’s northeastern neighborhoods, with a focus around critical locations like colleges and hospitals. The City legalized the use of e-scooters in November, adding to the range of available modes. Read on to learn more about Phase 1 of the rollout.
The Verge: Google Maps will now let you pay for public transportation and parking through its app
WTOP: What DC-area commuters expect out of post-pandemic transportation options
NJ.com: NJ Transit asks for proposals to move more people to American Dream, MetLife stadium
TechCrunch: For the first time, the US DOT is carving out budget for climate and environmental justice projects
Transport Topics: EPA Steps Up Efforts to Catch Emissions Tampering
6sqft: Massive Empire Station Complex project that will revamp Penn Station area moves forward
Transportation Today: Poll assesses public support of electric vehicle usage, policies
CPR News: How Colorado’s Free E-Bike Program Fits Into Its Plan To Slow Climate Change
Energy/Environment
Americans installed record amounts of solar and wind energy in 2020. Despite the global pandemic, 33.6 gigawatts of wind and solar were installed in the United States last year—the most ever, according to a recent report. These new installations can power up to 11 million homes. Renewable energy sources now make up 20 percent of all electricity production in the nation. The report attributes this increase in installations to several factors, including tax credits and increased interest in renewable energy from businesses of all sizes. Read on to learn how the clean energy workforce was impacted in 2020.
NPR: U.S. Officially Rejoins Paris Agreement On Climate Change
Energy Monitor: Cybersecurity threats escalate in the energy sector
Washington Post: D.C. activist pushes for renewable power
Scientific American: Texas Power Outage Underscores Looming Climate Tests
BBC News: The search widens for hot rocks that provide power
Energy News Network: Chicago microgrid project attempts to balance corporate, community needs
Greentech Media: Getting the Rates Right for a Public EV Charging Build-Out
Yale Climate Conversations: The internet's big carbon footprint need not doom the climate
Economic Development
Directing dollars where they’re needed most. As cities prepare their budgets, a new focus on equity may help address the needs of underserved communities. Cities across the U.S. are assessing a range of equity-related data and using this data to develop and implement equitable budget plans. With this equity framework in place, elected officials can better meet the needs of underserved communities. Read on to learn more about the specific steps communities in Denver and Fairfax County, VA, have taken toward a more equitable recovery.
Cityland NYC: Mayor and SBS Launch “Shop Your City: BE NYC” to Support Local Black-Owned Businesses
Cities Today: FCC creates taskforce to improve broadband data
Planetizen: A Strategic Approach to Economic Recovery Planning
Government Technology: NYC Colleges Receive Federal Funding for Career and Tech Ed
Greater Greater Washington: A $38 million HUD loan fund will finance affordable housing preservation in DC
CNN: Biden administration changes PPP rules to help reach the smallest businesses
City & State NY: A 5-point plan to create New York City’s new economy
RTO Insider: NY Needs ZEV Job Training, Strategy, Officials Say
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