ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of March 7, 2022
Nora's Note
Something to talk about. Let’s showcase programs that will help women make new herstory as we kick off Women’s History Month. I’m a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses grad, and now that we’re 10,000 strong, GS is turning to invest in the underinvested with the new One Million Black Women: Black in Business program. Black women own just 2% of employer businesses; and as if entrepreneurship isn’t daunting enough, persistent bias and discrimination, disparities in capital access and race plus sex-based credit inequities add structural obstacles to business building for Black women. According to GS, changes for Black women entrepreneurs could contribute to raising the US GDP by 1.4-2.1% each year, or $350-525 billion. Applications are open—we’re looking forward 10,000 new stories in the annals of women’s history.
Transportation
NJ Transit to expand fleet and add electric buses in 2022. Over the past five years, NJ Transit has improved on-time performance, minimized cancellations and invested billions in staffing and infrastructure—all while avoiding fare increases. In a recent press conference, Gov. Phil Murphy announced the transportation agency plans to add an additional 300 buses to its fleet, including eight electric buses, and will advance $4 billion in infrastructure investments. Read more to learn about what else NJ Transit has planned for 2022 and beyond.
Gothamist: Borough beeps join city transit advocates for better bus service
Transport Topics: Labor Department Partners With American Trucking Associations on Apprenticeship Program
Government Technology: More Bike Lanes Needed to Reduce Traffic Congestion
Transportation Today: Philadelphia to put first automated shuttle into service
AmNY: MTA takes ‘fresh look’ at allowing unfolded strollers on buses in NYC
U.S. News: Biden Administration Recognizes States' Highway Spending Role, Buttigieg Says
NY Times: Raising Crosswalks to Make Deadly Intersections Safer in New York
NY 1: LIRR, Metro-North roll out 'flexible' fare offerings; OMNY fare capping starts next week
Energy/Environment
Municipalities should get to work on EV Charging Plans to tap $5B federal funding. With electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure slated to receive billions in Federal funding, policymakers are encouraging local jurisdictions to start work on EV charging plans now. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has earmarked $5 billion to build out a national EV charging infrastructure, with an additional $2.5 billion reserved for corridor and community charging, to be awarded through a competitive grant application. Read more for insights from EV experts on how this funding will shape the future of the nation's EV charging infrastructure system.
Wall Street Journal: SEC Asks Companies for Rationales Behind Disclosures of Climate Risks
NY Times: Climate Change Is Harming the Planet Faster Than We Can Adapt, U.N. Warns
Gotham Gazette: Will New York City Be Ready to Implement Landmark Building Emissions Law?
Smart Cities Dive: Local governments advise EPA on using infrastructure dollars to support climate justice
CNBC: Supreme Court takes up EPA’s power to limit greenhouse gas emissions
NJ.com: N.J.’s strictest in the nation ban on single-use bags takes effect soon.
Utility Dive: Avangrid, Exelon among 90+ organizations joining DOE challenge to slash carbon emissions 50% by 2032
Vox: How to clear the air in the most polluted cities on Earth
Economic Development
NY colleges team with unions, employers to train students for statewide push toward green energy. New York State has partnered with 24 community colleges—and dozens of employers, labor unions, training providers and faith-based organizations—to train more than 3,500 students for jobs in the green energy economy. With Federal funding from the Good Jobs challenge, the partnership, known as the New York Community Colleges Energy Equity (NYCCEE) Consortium, would provide skill training for students from disadvantaged communities across the state. Read more for insights into how NYCCEE members are working towards an equitable, green economy in NYS.
Long Island Business News: NYS plans $200M shovel-ready grant program
Construction Dive: New report details how states are spending $350B from the American Rescue Plan
Gothamist: NY home care workers awarded $30 million for unpaid wages
Route Fifty: Biden's Municipal Broadband Push Clashes With State Restrictions
CityLab: Federal Legislation Could Tackle the Racial Gap in Home Appraisals
The Buffalo News: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand pushes 'Made in America' bill at Buffalo training center visit
Pew Stateline: Here's One Way States Are Boosting Affordable Housing
Next City: Small Business Support Hits the Streets in Philadelphia
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