ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of May 14, 2021
Nora's Note
Inclusion isn’t a potluck. When you work on public initiatives, an alphabet soup of acronyms is part of daily conversation. This week, the list expanded with DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) as I continued my own journey learning about persistent inequity in public engagement—and what to do about it. I heard Kim Tran on NPR’s “It’s Been a Minute” with Sam Sanders question if success measures in DEI push far enough to be about helping those most marginalized, or if the work stops at making those who are not feel better about themselves. While we begin to have very public conversations about these issues, maybe it’s time for a central governing body for DEI to set policy and guide change.
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. This week, learn how making the switch from one-way communication to conversational marketing can enhance your outreach campaigns.
Transportation
How the U.S. transit bus fleet might transition to zero emissions. The nation's transit fleet could be made up entirely of a blend of battery-electric and fuel cell vehicles by 2035, according to a recent report. New R&D initiatives and workforce development programs will be critical for the zero-emission transit fleet transition, which the report anticipates will require between $56 and $89 billion in investments. Read on to learn more about how collaborations across Federal agencies could help transit agencies of all sizes reduce their emissions.
Smart Cities Dive: High-speed rail gets moment in congressional spotlight
Transport Topics: Bill Would Create National EV Charging Network in Five Years
Business Insider: New electric vehicle charging research could allow drivers to power their cars as they drive on the highway
Greater Greater Washington: DDOT offers a look at the latest Dave Thomas Circle redesign plans
City & State NY: Tackling the MTA’s accessibility problems
Roads & Bridges: New Jersey DOT Announces Grants to Help Counties Maintain Local Bridges
The Mayor: Phosphorescent cycling paths are gaining momentum in French cities
Mass Transit: The advantages of electric trains without the cost? NJ Transit wants to test battery power.
Energy/Environment
In America’s cities, inequality is rooted in the trees. Tree cover, which provides vital environmental and health benefits, is often distributed unequally across cities. A new study shows the problem is especially pronounced in the Northeast, with Connecticut having five of the nation's top 10 most impacted cities. Researchers observed the most tree coverage disparities in Bridgeport, CT, where low-income blocks have 50 percent less tree cover and are significantly warmer than higher-income blocks. Read on to learn how investments in more equitable tree cover could protect disadvantaged communities from rising temperatures.
Associated Press: Cutting methane quickly key to curbing dangerous warming, says UN
CBS News: NOAA's "new normal" climate report is anything but normal
The Verge: What to expect from the EPA’s new rules affecting air conditioners and refrigerators
Axios: Vast majority of existing coal plants are more costly than wind or solar plants
CNN Business: Colonial Pipeline is restarting but the gas crisis isn't over
The Conversation: Wildfires are contaminating drinking water systems, and it’s more widespread than people realize
NPR: Climate Change Brings Changes To Coastal Wetlands' Carbon Absorption
Reuters: In New York, artist Maya Lin's 'Ghost Forest' warns on rising sea water
Economic Development
NYC to connect 13 housing projects with free or low-cost internet. In a significant step toward closing the digital divide, New York City announced last week that 13 of its public housing complexes will receive either free or low-cost high-speed internet. The initiative will connect 30,000 NYCHA residents to high-speed internet access for no more than $20 a month, increasing access to educational and economic opportunities. Read on to learn more about how the program ties into other recent efforts to expand internet access.
Buffalo News: State launches website to track Empire State Development incentives
NJ.com: SBA has $5B grant program for small businesses
NY Times: Job Growth Slowed in April, Muddling Expectations
Bloomberg CityLab: Let’s Declare This the Summer of Play
Route Fifty: A $4.5B Pool of Economic Recovery Funds States, Localities Can Tap Into
Governing: New Program Addresses Tribal Broadband Barriers
CNBC: As small businesses recover from the pandemic, they face a new obstacle: finding workers
WTNH: Gov. Lamont kicks off CT Economic Development Week in Hartford
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