ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of June 25, 2021
Nora's Note
Eco-Anxiety Meets Public Engagement. As people breathe a sigh of relief at the end of the worst of COVID-19, enter another anxiety. More than 26 percent of Americans are “very worried” about climate change, so outreach teams need to be ready with answers on the climate impact of the projects they are helping advance. Despair over the state of the planet will find its way into public meetings, but we can help tamp eco-anxiety by letting audiences know how projects support climate action. To start: schedule meetings near transit, incorporate climate work groups, post listicles of project features that will help the planet and add info on sustainable materials to presentations. Audiences will expect answers—are you ready with yours?
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. In this week's blog, learn how cutting-edge trends in content development can help you attract and keep audiences.
Transportation
US to Seek Automated Braking Requirement for Heavy Trucks.To reduce the impact of heavy truck collisions, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced it will propose updated emergency brake system requirements as part of its upcoming regulatory agenda. The proposed plan would require that new heavy trucks be equipped with automatic braking systems, which activate in situations when a driver has not reacted to an upcoming collision. Read on to learn more about the years of research that guided the development of this proposed action to make U.S. roads safer.
Axios: The robotaxi era will require a rethinking of vehicle safety
Railway Age: Fernandez Confirmed as FTA Head
The Conversation: As urban life resumes, can US cities avert gridlock?
amNY: MTA restores Metro-North Railroad service as commuters return
Bloomberg CityLab: Transit Needs to Compete for Post-Covid Commuters
Smart Cities Dive: Pittsburgh unveils its first pedestrian safety action plan
WBUR: Boston to New York in Under 2 Hours? Lawmakers Lobby for Bullet Train in Infrastructure Deal
Gothamist: Brooklyn Bridge Bike Lane Construction Starts June 21st
Energy/Environment
Our response to climate change is missing something big, scientists say. As the urgency to address climate change and conservation concerns grows, the work done on these related issues is often still completed separately. In a recent report from two international scientific panels, researchers call for new perspectives on two critical challenges—approaching climate change and preventing biodiversity loss—that support both goals while mitigating potential negative impacts. Read on to learn where new approaches to these two goals could make the biggest impact.
Smart Cities Dive: Low-carbon concrete bill advances in New York
Scientific American: Saving New York City’s Last Wildernesses
Canary Media: As blistering heat sets in, power grids in the Western US face a new round of challenges
Undark: A $26-Billion Plan to Save the Houston Area From Rising Seas
Yale E360: Takeout Food and Drink Containers Account for Bulk of Ocean Litter
PV Magazine: Solar is as popular as apple pie (but some folks still prefer pecan)
CNBC: U.S. solar capacity passes 100 gigawatts after strong first quarter, but Covid challenges persist
Daily Gazette: Schenectady earns state recognition for climate action, clean energy leadership
Economic Development
NYC Study Will Give Cash Payments to Homeless Young Adults. This fall, a New York City pilot program will support young adults experiencing homelessness in establishing improved housing and economic outcomes. Partially financed by the Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity and the city's COVID-19 fund, the Trust Youth Initiative will provide monthly payments of $1,250, job training and mentorship for around 40 young adults between the ages of 18-24. Read on to learn how the pilot program fits into the growing list of cities testing cash payments as part of their recovery efforts.
Route Fifty: How Governments Can Help Elevate the Local Workforce Post-Pandemic
NY Times: New York Faces Lasting Economic Toll Even as Pandemic Passes
Governing: Why Evidence Should Be a Priority in Pandemic Recovery
US News: Fed Raises Inflation and Economic Forecast, Hints at First Rate Hike in 2023
CNY Central: Workforce Forward – I-81 hiring program aims to keep jobs local for community grid project
Gothamist: NYC To Create College Savings Accounts For Every Public School Kindergartener In 2022
Spectrum News: Governor bets on tourism to jump-start New York's economy
The Real Deal: Workforce Housing Group solar deal will also pay for broadband
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