ASC's Intersections Newsletter — June 2, 2023
Nora's Note
We honor Pride year-round. The month of June provides an opportunity to reflect on LGBTQIA+ history in the United States and celebrate the strength and joy of the LGBTQIA+ community. Yet, as legislation around the country seeks to limit the rights of educators, individuals, and institutions to recognize diverse gender identities and sexual orientations or provide gender-affirming care, the topics at hand this Pride month are hardly new. The U.S. Census Bureau added questions on sexual orientation to the census for the first time in 2020 and continues to study the inclusion of a question on gender identity and expression. Including the LGBTQIA+ community in our national data will allow for more significant equity in community and public planning, carrying the message of Pride for a more equitable and inclusive future.
Transportation
High-speed rail gains steam as Atlanta and Dallas aim to come aboard. Harnessing the billions of dollars in the 2021 infrastructure law, leaders from several states recently announced plans to expand the national rail network and connect US cities via high-speed rail. State agencies have reported environmental and route planning studies to connect significant regions, including Los Angeles to San Francisco, CA; Las Vegas to Southern California; Dallas to Fort Worth, TX; and Charlotte, NC to Atlanta, GA. Read more about funding for infrastructure planning and high-speed rail networks nationwide. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Route-Fifty: NHTSA Proposes a Pass-Fail Pedestrian Safety Rating for Vehicles
Transport Topics: Washington Passes Bathroom Access for Truckers Law
Smart Cities Dive: Can Boston improve pedestrian safety with redesigned streets, intersections? It’s about to find out.
Mass Transit Mag: OR: Columbia River Gorge gets new car-free public transportation services
Climate
U.S. Energy Department funds small-scale clean energy on tribal land. The United States Department of Energy (USDOT) recently announced a commitment of $34 million in funding for 18 renewable energy projects on tribal lands that lack stable service, face high energy costs and are severely impacted by climate change. The projects are estimated to result in more than nine megawatts of new clean energy generation and more than 6,700 megawatt-hours of battery storage, impacting 1,000 tribal buildings and over 800 homes. Read more about how USDOT is working to increase access to reliable electricity. (Source: Reuters)
Providence Journal: How a new project aims to restore Providence River habitat and empower city residents
Canary Media: California has a new $7.3B plan to fix its transmission problems
Stateline: Offshore wind in the Midwest? Some Great Lakes leaders think so.
Reuters: Record solar power generated in New York state -grid operator
Economic Development
South Bronx lot up for redevelopment with affordable housing. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) plans to convert 23,000 square feet of vacant space at 1388–1400 Stebbins Avenue into affordable housing and amenities for residents. Over the past decade, HPD has initiated many urban renewal and repopulation projects in the South Bronx. Public workshops for the project kick off this month to gain insight into the needs and aspirations of the community. Read more about HPD's efforts to rebuild the South Bronx through community action. (Source: Urbanize)
Route Fifty: New Initiative Will Help Cities Reduce Homelessness
Smart Cities Dive: NYC region faces significant health inequities: report
Anthropocene: When life hands you disposable diapers, make affordable housing
Long Beach Business Journal: Long Beach may ease parking mandates to draw new businesses into vacant storefronts
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