ASC's Intersections Newsletter — May 31st, 2024
Nora’s Note
Creating a community vision. The Empire Wind team came together with key stakeholders in Sunset Park, Brooklyn last week to collaborate on plans for the Offshore Wind Learning Center. Located less than half a mile from Equinor’s operations hub at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, the Learning Center will serve as a resource for information and opportunity on New York’s fast growing offshore wind industry. The energy transition presents a tremendous opportunity across America -- both for combatting climate change and for building sustainable job opportunities. As New York continues to lead the charge in advancing clean energy solutions, it will take engagement and investment across communities to shape a greener future for us all.
Transportation
The passenger rail revival is here. Thanks to the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passenger rail projects around the country are reaching funding milestones. The Federal Railroad Administration recently announced it is making $2 billion available for railway improvements along the Northeast corridor. Colorado is also raising funds to develop a rail service linking Denver to other cities in the state by enacting daily car rental fees. This initiative aims to increase reliable, low-cost transportation in Colorado. Read more about impending improvements to the US rail system. (Source: Planetizen)
Mass Transit Mag: FTA opens $10.5 million in funding for TOD projects
amNY: All NYC public school students to get OMNY Cards instead of MetroCards next year
Streetsblog NYC: Small East Bronx Open Street Shows Big Potential
Climate
Heat resilience research centers unveiled by Biden administration. Extreme heat is the deadliest type of extreme weather in the U.S., and states and cities are scrambling to address the challenge. Strategies being pursued include creating heat response plans, holding planning summits, appointing chief heat officers, and reducing the heat island effect in cities. The Biden Administration has provided $4.55 million to establish research centers on heat monitoring and heat resilience. Read more to see how communities can get involved later this year. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Canary Media: Portland, Maine, could launch a ‘trust fund’ to fight climate change
Energy News Network: New Hampshire’s first open community solar project moves forward despite state policy barriers
Grist: America’s grid isn’t ready for a renewable future. A new federal rule could change that
Economic Development
64 office buildings in NYC could become new housing. NYC has recently seen an increase in rental rates and a decrease in housing availability. In 2023, the city's rental vacancy fell to a multi-decade low of 1.4%, while about 18% of Manhattan offices remained vacant in the first three months. Mayor Adams has set a target to convert offices into 20,000 units over the next decade. Four buildings have successfully begun conversion through the NYC Office Conversion Accelerator, adding about 2,100 new apartments. Read more about NYC office conversions. (Source: Gothamist)
Smart Cities Dive: This universal basic employment pilot aims to reduce poverty
Utility Dive: CAISO board approves $6.1B transmission plan, with focus on access to clean energy
Axios: Biden pushes to tame — and expand — carbon credit markets
Digital
1 million NYC households set to lose high-speed internet. Over one million New York City households are at risk of losing high-speed internet access due to the imminent expiration of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. This program, which provides subsidies to make internet services more affordable, is set to be cut despite efforts by officials to secure additional funding. Without Congressional action to extend financing, many low-income families and seniors may face increased costs or loss of internet service. Read more on how the digital divide may be exacerbated. (Source: Gothamist)
Route Fifty: Colorado becomes first state with sweeping artificial intelligence regulations
eSchool News: Newark Public Schools considers new AI tutor chatbot for districtwide use
GovTech: Delaware Company Launches Cybersecurity School in San Antonio
About Arch Street Communications
At ASC, we help government agencies, corporations and nonprofit organizations across the globe communicate issues that affect people’s lives. We’re the bold, nimble, women-owned small business (WBE) that has supported strategic communications programs to build stronger communities for 30 years.
Ready to find the “simple truth” solutions to build a better future? We want to hear from you! Get in touch to learn how our signature approach can work for you.
Subscribe to Arch Street Communications' Newsletter Intersections
