ASC's Intersections Newsletter — July 3rd, 2024
Nora’s Note
Happy Independence Day from ASC! Intersections will take a summer hiatus for the next few weeks. Thank you for following along with us in this first half of 2024. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Transportation
Light rail linking Brooklyn, Queens to get $15M federal grant. New federal funding of $15 million has been secured, championed by Senator Chuck Schumer, for the Interborough Express light rail project, connecting Brooklyn and Queens. Despite budget uncertainties due to Governor Hochul’s recent pause on congestion pricing, this grant is expected to enhance transit connections between boroughs, reduce travel times, and support local growth. The project demonstrates innovative opportunities to link communities and commuters. Read more about how this project enhances public transit infrastructure in NYC. (Source: Mass Transit)
Route Fifty: Biden administration awards $1.8B for urban, rural transportation projects
City Limits: NYCHA Explains Newly Plugged-In Policy on E-Bikes and Scooters
Gothamist: Staten Island Railway to get new trains for first time in 50 years
Climate
DOE provides $63.5M for ‘transformative’ energy solutions, including new storage technology. This grant program, SCALEUP, seeks to empower the private sector to develop innovative energy technologies with “viable path[s] to market.” The awardee projects include aerogels that improve residential and commercial buildings’ energy efficiency, thermal battery technology, solid-state lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles, and a carbon-neutral cement supplement. Read more on this year’s SCALEUP cohort and on the DOE's grant announcement. (Source: Utility Dive)
Energy News Network: In Twin Cities and beyond, district energy systems see pressure to cut carbon emissions
The Hill: Biden administration puts $375M toward rural renewables
Canary Media: Next-generation geothermal will soon power Southern California’s grid
Economic Development
Los Angeles County’s Skilled Trades Summers initiative engages nearly 400 teens. The U.S. is experiencing a critical shortage of skilled trades workers, with an estimated 150,000 new workers needed annually through 2032 to replace retirees and others leaving plumbing, electrical and HVAC services jobs. One of eight programs developed as part of the L.A. County Skilled Trades Summers initiative introduced young people to skilled trades career pathways and provide paid training. Read more about the trade skills training program and what it could mean for the future. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Associated Press: Small Business Administration offers $30 million in grant funding to Women’s Business Centers
Governing: L.A. County Will Devote $5 Million to Wiping Out Medical Debt
Reuters: Biden administration awards $85 million to ease affordable housing development
Digital
How AI is making cybersecurity solutions more accessible. AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity, making it accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes, especially small and midsize enterprises. AI-driven solutions offer real-time threat detection, cost reduction through automation, and scalable cloud-based services. Using machine learning and predictive analytics, AI anticipates and mitigates risks efficiently. Despite challenges like the need for regular updates and potential over-reliance, AI enhances operational efficiency and personalizes security solutions. Read more for the future of AI in cybersecurity. (Source: GovTech)
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
