ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of May 21, 2021
Nora's Note
Lessons learned—now what? Nearing the end of a deep dive into diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), I'm taking away four big lessons. First, everyone has bias. My bias—and yours—impacts our interactions; recognizing it will help us become more intentional about our communication. Second, words matter. Making DEI more than a messaging add-on requires deliberate use of language—and time. Third, DEI isn’t a workshop or a holiday; it takes more than an event to put DEI at the forefront of planning and operationalize it across programs. Fourth, knowing your audience has never been more important. Meeting them where they are may be a public engagement tagline, but if we want to understand and engage the communities we serve, we need to spend time in and with them.
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 artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots can help you expand your reach and maintain connections with your audiences.
Transportation
Bike to Work Day is Back. On Friday, May 21, Bike to Work Day 2021 returns to promote bicycling as a commuting alternative that offers many benefits. In addition to reduced traffic congestion and commuting costs, bicycling to work also offers commuters an opportunity to support their physical and mental health. Telecommuters are encouraged to participate by taking a short bicycling break. Read on for more information about this year's event.
Poughkeepsie Journal: MTA moving ahead with Metro-North access to Penn Station, which could cut commute times
My Central Jersey: $47 million Perth Amboy train station modernization plan takes major step
Spectrum News NY 1: Micromobility surges amid pandemic as city plans e-scooter share pilot program
CBS News: Electric vehicles are becoming more affordable
Transport Topics: PennDOT Airport Funding Aims to Improve Economic, Operational Activity
Associated Press: Street racing surges across US amid coronavirus pandemic
Governing: Liability Questions Loom Over Autonomous Vehicle Rollout
The City: Subway Service Is Back 24/7, But Some Manhattan Entrances Remain Locked Around the Clock
Energy/Environment
Empire State Building's Green Retrofit Offers Model for Other Buildings. About 70% of New York City’s current carbon emissions are connected to its buildings, making the retrofitting of inefficient buildings essential in reducing emissions. In 2010, the Empire State Building's retrofit helped cut the landmark's energy usage by 40%. Eleven years later, the Empire Building Challenge is encouraging other high-rise buildings to use emerging technologies toward their own retrofits. Read on for more information on how New York State is working to incentivize building owners to follow the Empire State Building's lead.
Energy Monitor: Diversifying the next generation of US clean energy workers
Smart Cities Dive: Coalition seeks to highlight composting as key urban infrastructure
The Verge: The Grid Needs to Smarten Up to Reach Clean Energy Goals
Reuters: U.S. brings back climate change website detailing ongoing threats
NY Times: Nations Must Drop Fossil Fuels Fast, World Energy Body Warns
Axios: The growing push to cut carbon emissions from cement
City & State NY: How NYC can protect residents from extreme heat
GreenBiz: The rise of the climate economy is upon us
Economic Development
Cities Say They Need Critical Infrastructure Funding. As towns and cities across the country plan for their post-pandemic recovery, many are looking for more funding to support important infrastructure projects. In a recent survey of local leaders, 91% of respondents identified limited funding as a top factor in making infrastructure-related decisions. Sustainability and building a workforce with the necessary skills for infrastructure projects were two other top factors respondents mentioned. Read on to learn how these local considerations connect to infrastructure trends at the state and national levels.
Statescoop: House members propose $500 million in state and local cyber grants
Route Fifty: To Budget for Equity, Cities First Must Define Equity
Bloomberg CityLab: The Post-Pandemic Future of Central Business Districts
Niagara Frontier Publications: Cuomo launches a new decade of Regional Economic Development Council Initiative
Commercial Observer: New Construction Projects Off to Slowest Start in a Decade: REBNY
ROI NJ: NJ EDA details rules and regs around Emerge, successor to Grow N.J.
CNBC: Covid and racism have been devastating for many Asian-owned small businesses
Governing: Workforce Training Programs Need Employers at the Table
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