ASC's Intersections Newsletter — May 25, 2023
Nora's Note
Teamwork makes the dream work. The 31.7 million small businesses in the US account for 99% of all US business and create 1.5 million jobs every year. But essential as we are, 77% of small business owners are wringing their hands right now about accessing capital, according to a survey released by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Voices. That’s a complete reversal from last year, when 77% were confident in their ability to access capital. Last week my team dodged the grey cloud overhanging National Small Business Month at an improv workshop at Magnet Theater in NYC—and if you’re looking for a way to build spirit while waiting for Washington to avert default, you may want to do the same. We played out goofy scenarios and followed storylines to absurd ends, and while improv may not solve the financial crisis, we played as an ensemble, and picked up a toolkit we’ll use to thrive no matter.
Transportation
Route 66 is getting a bike-friendly upgrade. Sections of the famous Route 66 highway are being upgraded with bike-friendly features to establish US Bike Route 66 (USBR 66). The completed sections in Kansas, Missouri, California and Oklahoma add up to approximately 730 miles. Once complete, USBR 66 will span over 2,000 miles. States along Route 66 are upgrading bike lanes as part of the nationwide movement to make cycling safer and more accessible through built infrastructure. Read more about how this and similar projects are weaving transport and climate solutions into the cultural fabric of America. (Source: Lonely Planet)
Route Fifty: Local Leaders Cheer Changes to Rail Safety Bill
Mass Transit Mag: RIPTA extends Ride Free Central Falls pilot program through Aug. 1
Smart Cities Dive: Federal guidelines for eVTOL operations encourage cities to plan for infrastructure
Mass Transit Mag: Oregon Transportation Commission awards more than $28.5 million for state transit improvements
Energy/Environment
Zero-emission projects in high demand. The transition to zero-emission public transit is speeding up, creating high competition among cities and states for the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Low or No Emission Vehicle Program funding. The program awards 75% of funding to zero-emission projects and 25% to low-emission projects. This split has resulted in high competition for zero-emission projects and low competition for low-emission projects, possibly encouraging cities and states to pursue less energy-efficient goals. Read more about proposed changes to the FTA’s program to encourage high quality zero-emission projects around the country. (Source: Mass Transit Mag)
Washington State Standard: Rural electric co-ops to get $10.7B in USDA funds for clean energy grants, loans
Canary Media: Green steel could help rebuild America’s Rust Belt
Wisconsin State Journal: Madison preparing for big leap in air quality monitoring
Route Fifty: Billions in Loans and Grants to Make Multifamily Homes Energy Efficient
Economic Development
Maine businesses brainstorm how to deal with climate change as an economic issue. Research has indicated that even conservative estimates of a 3°C global warming could significantly affect the world economy. A recent summit in Maine highlighted the ways climate change action has the potential to mobilize the private sector and generate economic opportunity. In 2022, investments in renewable energy matched the amount spent producing oil and gas. Read more about how economic development can be used as a tool to reach climate goals and reduce carbon emissions worldwide. (Source: Portland Press Herald)
Smart Cities Dive: NYC hotel reopens as asylum seeker center
Smart Cities Dive: A ‘tech hub’ in your city? Commerce Department launches application process for $500M in grants
GovTech: Federal Govt Jobs Recruiter Seeks to Hire Atlanta Tech Talent
Streets Blog NYC: City Adds $30M for Managing Open Streets, Public Space in Needy Nabes
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