ASC's Intersections Newsletter — November 15th, 2024
Nora’s Note
Giving back. Today we celebrate National Philanthropy Day. As a small business owner, National Philanthropy Day is a meaningful reminder of the importance of collaboration and community support, especially as we approach the holiday season. Studies show that small businesses give up to 2.5 times more to charity than large corporations, and about 40% of New Yorkers report volunteering in their community in some way. Arch Street is gearing up for our own day of giving back with God’s Love We Deliver, an incredible organization devoted to preparing and delivering nutritious, medically tailored meals for those in need throughout the city. We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and helping make this important mission a reality.
Transportation
Nashville voters overwhelmingly approve $3.1 billion transit plan. The desire for accessible and widespread public transit continues to gain popularity within the United States as Nashville voters approved the “Choose How You Move,” transit plan with 66% support. The $3.1 billion plan is set to increase the sales tax by half a cent starting February 1st, 2025. The plan itself will fund improvements to sidewalks, bus services, traffic signals, and high-capacity transit corridors. Read more about transformative plan. (Source: Tennessean)
Gothamist: NYC unveils interactive map of streets and intersections honoring local legends
AMNY: AARP New York launches hands-on sidewalk survey to improve pedestrian safety in NYC
Mass Transit: Phoenix Public Transit Department receives $12.9 million congestion relief grant
Climate
California voters pass $10B bond to help protect people from climate change. With the incoming administration, states must do more to protect themselves from a warming climate without the help of federal aid. California has started off strong with its newly passed Proposition 4, designed to support renewable energy and climate resilience efforts. This bond package will lay a foundation for future state-initiated climate change mitigation and adaptation investments to come. Read more about how Proposition 4 positions California as a leader in state-driven climate resilience and renewable energy initiatives. (Source: Canary Media)
WGAN: Mainers Pass $25 Million Bond for Science, Renewable Energy
Smart Cities Dive: Heat mapping program opens 2025 applications, offering financial and technical support
Tech Brew: US workers must increase ‘green skills’ to keep pace with sustainability targets
Economic Development
NYC Small businesses could get a break from burdensome fines with proposed transparency legislation. A new transparency bill would require city agencies to provide clearer information about violations and fines, helping businesses better understand and avoid penalties. Advocates argue that the current system can disproportionately harm small businesses, 66% of which already struggle to afford their operating costs, according to the 2023 Small Business Credit Survey. Read more about the new bill and the tasks of the Department of Small Business services. (Source: AMNY)
Digital
State and Local Govts Boost Accessibility in Digital Services. In 2024, state and local governments have made significant strides in enhancing digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities, largely driven by a new ruling from the U.S. Department of Justice. As part of this initiative, Massachusetts appointed its first chief IT accessibility officer, Ashley Bloom, to lead these efforts. Read more to discover how various states are implementing unique strategies to ensure equitable access to digital services, including new training programs and AI considerations. (Source: GovTech)
Forbes: URL To IRL - Podcast Communities Are Forging The Future Of Business
The Globe and Mail: AI eases the burden of repetitive HR work, but the human touch is still needed
Forbes: Pro-Social AI For Alzheimer’s Prevention
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