ASC's Intersections Newsletter — March 15th, 2024
Nora's Note
Building a greener New York. This week, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced several major projects to advance decarbonization of buildings in New York City and implement the new Circular Design & Construction Guidelines. Buildings account for two thirds of all greenhouse gas emissions in New York City and are a key piece of the puzzle for meeting the city’s ambitious climate goals. As part of New York City’s Green Economy Action Plan, NYCEDC is launching the NYC Mass Timber Studio, which will provide technical assistance to support the early stages of planning and design for mass timber projects, a lower-emissions alternative to steel and concrete construction. The city is also anticipating the construction of over 40 miles of greenways in the outlying boroughs through a grant from the USDOT, creating climate resilience by encouraging emissions-free transport and adding landscaping to ward off summer heat and help manage runoff and erosion. The path to a carbon neutral future is mapped out – and New York is ready to move.
Transportation
Manhattan’s 2nd Avenue would get a 24/7 bus lane and wider bike lanes under proposed redesign. The city Department of Transportation’s proposed plan aims to revamp commutes for up to 57,000 daily bus riders and ensure a protected path for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Key features include a 24/7 bus lane, wider bike lanes stretching up to 10 feet, and dedicated bus lanes that are strategically shifted away from the curb. Read more as the community awaits the board’s weigh-in with implementation expected to begin this year. (Source: Gothamist)
Mass Transit Mag: Local grants to support transit connections to healthcare in New York and Virginia
StreetsBlog: California Launches New Transportation Equity Tool
Axios: COTA ridership climbing since pandemic drop
Climate
Fuel cell electric buses up 75% in transit fleets last year. Clean-energy bus production and deployment reached an all-time high in 2023, including the roll out of thousands of new zero-emission buses and fuel cell electric buses. New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority is the leading zero-emission bus user in the nation, with Los Angeles, Miami, and Santa Monica following shortly behind. Interest in fuel cell bus technology is increasing rapidly and expected to grow throughout 2024. Read more about the US clean energy bus transition. (Source: Utility Dive)
InDepthNH: Teen Activists Seek Robust Climate Change Education in NH’s Public Schools
Sierra Club: Appalachian Organizations Are Working to Make the Region a Hub for Green Manufacturing and Clean Energy
Grist: Solar hits a renewable energy milestone not seen since WWII
Economic Development
US Treasury eases rules on unspent COVID aid to boost affordable housing. The U.S. Treasury loosens restrictions on leftover COVID funds to boost affordable housing supply, expanding eligibility for state and local governments to access $350 billion. While challenges exist, officials believe it will modestly increase housing options, combat inflation, support essential workers, and improve public perception of economic policies. Read more on how the new measures allow funding for a wider range of projects and address pre-development costs. (Source: Reuters)
E&E News: Biden ‘direct pay’ rules may change the future of renewables
Route Fifty: States get some help to recruit caregivers for an aging population
The Hill: Manufacturing investment hit new peak in January as Biden bets on green transition
Digital
Digitizing trash, snow services in Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse, N.Y., has digitally transformed its trash and snow removal services, leading to increased efficiency and transparency. Through the Office of Analytics, Performance and Innovation, and in partnership with the Department of Public Works, the city has adopted digital tools like locational devices on trucks and apps to improve service responsiveness. This approach has allowed for real-time logistics support, better resource management, and enhanced customer service. Read more on the significant benefits of digitizing traditional public works processes. (Source: GovTech)
Axios: Teachers are embracing ChatGPT-powered grading
Route Fifty: How the procurement process can help agencies acquire responsible AI
AdWeek: How Programmatic Audio Is Reshaping Digital Marketing
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