ASC's Intersections Newsletter — January 12th, 2024
Nora's Note
Accessibility forward. The federal Office of Management and Budget has issued new guidance on accessibility in government technology. It’s the first new guidance on Section 508 in more than a decade and comes on the heels of a General Services Administration report that nearly half of federal websites are not fully accessible. The guidance also encouraged federal agencies to build mechanisms for gathering public feedback on accessibility concerns. With up to one in four Americans living with a disability, digital accessibility tools and mechanisms for public feedback will be critical for government agencies at all levels, helping to create a more inclusive forum for information sharing and engagement on public projects.
Transportation
USDOT launches Transforming Transportation Advisory committee. The U.S. Department of Transportation has established the Transforming Transportation Advisory Committee (TTAC), a 27-member group selected for their diverse expertise in various transportation-related fields. TTAC will advise the USDOT and the Secretary of Transportation on innovative strategies in transportation, encompassing areas like automation, cybersecurity, and equity. Their initial meeting is scheduled for January 18, 2024, where they will discuss issues such as safe technology deployment, economic competitiveness, and cybersecurity. Read more for insights into the upcoming meeting. (Source: Mass Transit Mag)
Gothamist: A little-known MTA program pays artists to add beauty to the subway
The Daily News: NY Thruway gets $1.2M from bipartisan infrastructure law to develop safety plan
Grist: Buying an EV just got more affordable
Climate
200 orphan oil and gas wells plugged in 2023 by Michigan regulators. Michigan environmental regulators reported plugging about 200 abandoned oil and gas wells in 2023 using a $25 million grant. These grants were funded by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which set aside $4.7 billion to reduce climate-warming methane emissions from “orphaned” wells in the U.S. Orphaned oil and gas wells are unplugged, non-producing wells with no solvent owner of record to plug them. Read more about the more than 130,000 orphaned wells in the U.S. and Michigan's efforts to plug them. (Source: MLive)
Energy News Network: Grant seeks to recruit Appalachian manufacturers for clean energy economy
CNET: Texas’ Unique Energy Industry Is Helping the State Become a Renewables Leader
Star Tribune: What does the future hold for Wyoming and nuclear energy?
Economic Development
Many Small Businesses Already Ahead of New Minimum-Wage Laws. Minimum-wage increases in 22 U.S. states will impact fewer small businesses as many have already surpassed legal minimums. The changes are set to benefit around 10 million workers, costing an estimated $7 billion. The Great Resignation and inflation spurred many small businesses to raise wages voluntarily, showing a positive trend towards improved working conditions and higher pay. Read more on how states are updating minimum-wage laws. (Source: Inc)
Reuters: US economic data points to ‘real momentum’ for 2024, White House says
Investopedia: Analysts Expect Consumer Spending Will Support Soft Landing, Moderate Growth in 2024
SFGate: Danbury mayor appoints local business owner as new economic development officer
Digital
Digital Transformation ‘Supports Everything’ in a Modern City. South Bend’s CIO, Denise Linn Riedl, advises understanding public needs as the first step in digital innovation aimed at enhancing modern cities. The pandemic accelerated digital transformation, emphasizing the need to modernize rapidly as the crisis highlighted broadband’s essential role and spurred infrastructure development. City leaders have determined digital transformations as integral to various city aspects like infrastructure, safety, and quality of life, urging others to capitalize on current momentum and public interest. Read more about digital modernization strategies. (Source: Gov Tech)
Tech Crunch: Generative AI: Transforming education into a personalized, addictive learning experience
Marketing-Interactive: Study: Marketers are prioritizing media and digital marketing at cybersecurity costs
Reuters: US Supreme Court’s Roberts urges ‘caution’ as AI reshapes legal field
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