ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of June 10, 2021
Nora's Note
When diversity drives investment. You know the rubber is meeting the road when shareholders demand a DEI response from the companies they invest in. The proxy season (the time in spring when companies hold annual shareholder meetings) offers telling messages about shareholder priorities for companies seeking investment—and this year, the rising tide focused on two primary concerns: racial justice and climate risk. That’s a sure signal of change in how companies will address and prioritize these topics. As corporate boards seek to address these hot topics, public engagement should expect similar scrutiny from audiences that will be looking for inclusive growth, examining projects through the lens of diversity and expecting DEI issues to be on the table for comment.
21 Digital Trends for 2021
Each week, ASC's digital strategists explore the pros, cons and how-tos of using an emerging trend to reach wider, more representative audiences right where they are. This week, learn how to use gamification to propel e-participation for your public engagement campaign.
Transportation
Electric vehicle sales surge raises concerns about noise and safety. As more electric vehicles appear on roads around the world, transportation systems must adapt to a unique factor of battery-operated vehicles: reduced noise. While beneficial in reducing noise pollution, advocates note that quieter cars pose a safety risk to people who are visually impaired. The United States requires alert systems that make noise when an electric vehicle is driving slowly or in reverse, and other countries are taking similar action. Read on to learn more about additional changes that could make electric vehicles safer.
The Conversation: Sick of dangerous city traffic? Remove left turns
amNY: In NYC ‘bike boom,’ record ridership for Citi Bike as de Blasio commits to 30 miles of protected lanes
Transport Topics: Rise of Electric Vehicles Presents Questions About Transportation Funding
NBC 4 NY: Where Have All of New York City's Yellow Cabs Gone? Taxi Numbers Still Low, Data Shows
NPR: During The Pandemic Lockdown, Traffic Deaths Soared To The Highest Level in 13 Years
Cities Today: US car journeys rebound but morning rush hour holds off – for now
Roads and Bridges: Repaving Work Begins for Key New York Interstates in Finger Lakes Region
Transportation Today: LaGuardia Airport opens new Terminal C outer roadway system
Energy/Environment
Meeting sustainable development goals by protecting our oceans. World Oceans Day, celebrated this Tuesday (June 8), brought some focused attention to the year-round issues related to protecting oceans. Healthy oceans are critical to meeting climate goals, so a new United Nations campaign seeks to put improved ocean and coastal management at the forefront of environmental sustainability efforts. Read on to discover the importance of the emerging blue economy.
Energy News Network: Vermont clean energy jobs board aims to net more resumes from women
Utility Dive: FERC should expand organized markets across the US, former chairs and commissioners say
The Guardian: G7 nations committing billions more to fossil fuel than green energy
ABC News 10: Over $5M awarded to four colleges to study energy savings, climate change
NPR: Endangered Right Whales Are Shrinking. Scientists Blame Commercial Fishing Gear.
New Scientist: This smart shift in pesticide use could let insect populations recover
Washington Post: Despite pandemic, level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere hits historic levels
NJ Spotlight News: First power auction in three years yields boon for consumers
Economic Development
As Vaccination Rates Rise, More Companies Consider "Soft Reopenings" Over Summer. As New York City gets back on its feet, many of its companies are gradually reopening offices throughout the upcoming summer months. With increased vaccination rates and the end of many capacity limits in sight, many employers are encouraging their employees to return to the office. A recent survey projects that 62% of office workers will return for at least a few days a week by September, which will play a major role in supporting the City’s economy. Read on to find out how businesses are adapting their operations to meet reopening needs.
Daily Freeman: IDA reform legislation advances in Albany
CityLab: The Latest Pandemic Supply Shock – Child Care Workers
ScienceDaily: Modeling economic growth in a zero-emission society
SpectrumNY: May jobs report shows gains in workforce, small businesses still struggling to find employees
Curbed: New York City Is About to Add 4,000 Street Vendors. Los Angeles Has Some Ideas to Borrow.
Next City: Cities Are Boosting the Economy by Rewarding Those Who Shop Local
NY Times: Wage Growth Is Holding Up in Aftermath of the Economic Crash
StateScoop: Will legislation propel the smart city movement?
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