ASC's Intersections Newsletter — November 8th, 2024
Nora’s Note
I'm with Jon. Jon Stewart found a couple of shining moments Wednesday night on the “Daily Show” that might have been otherwise missed in the daunting bigger news. These “little glass-half-fulls" span across the nation: two Black women will serve in the US Senate together for the first time, the first openly transgender member of Congress will serve in the House, and the first Korean-American Senator has been elected. But most importantly, he asked everyone to rest up, because the work of realizing the American experiment is far from done. At ASC, we’re holding strategy meetings to talk about the need to pivot to broader and better strategies that seek to understand and engage those that seem to be distanced from the projects we represent, and to strengthen our community-based planning playbook to bake in a new level of inclusiveness. Sleeves are rolled up; we're ready to go.
Transportation
NY Transit Agency Takes Next Step on Brooklyn-Queens Rail Link. To connect Brooklyn and Queens in a more efficient way, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is looking to create the Interborough Express to offer a better option to residents for those who must commute. The light rail line, which would help families in lower-income neighborhoods in boroughs with no access to transportation, is having a difficult time with funding. Read more about the plans for the Interborough Express and its initiatives to help residents in Brooklyn and Queens. (Source: Bloomberg)
Smart Cities Dive: Is US high-speed rail finally on a roll?
Gothamist: Port Authority wins $344M in federal funding to electrify its ports
Stateline: Self-driving cars aren’t here yet, but states are getting the rules ready
Climate
This disaster relief nonprofit is pioneering a clean energy alternative to noisy, polluting generators. As climate disasters become more common, a nonprofit has applied a novel concept in modular energy generation. The Footprint Project partners with local solar companies near disaster zones to gather supplies and deploy solar powered charging stations, water filtration systems, and other key climate and disaster tech. The organization hopes their efforts will increase safety and decrease pollution in the wake of major climate disasters. Read more to learn about how climate tech will affect the future of disaster relief. (Source: Grist)
Canary Media: Hundreds of New Yorkers got free batteries to help clean up the grid
Energy News Network: Where will captured carbon go? Ohio company among those seeking to embed it in new products
Associated Press: California announces sustainable fuels partnership to curb emissions from planes
Economic Development
AmEx, Chamber of Commerce Foundation team up on grants for small businesses hit by Hurricanes Helene, Milton. American Express and the US Chamber of Commerce recently announced the creation of the Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program, which will award $5 million in grants to small businesses affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Over 1,000 small businesses that meet the eligibility requirements can receive up to $5,000 to cover business expenses related to disaster recovery. Read more about how the grant program can help small businesses recoup and thrive through the disaster relief grants. (Source: Fox Business)
Smart Cities Dive: California pours $827M into local homelessness response with increased accountability measures
Route Fifty: Inside mobile health clinic efforts to reach more residents, address gaps in care
KSLTV: Utah city plans to build new affordable housing for essential workers
Digital
AI tutors are already changing higher ed. Generative AI is transforming higher education by enhancing access to professors' expertise and improving efficiency. While its impact is most pronounced in computer science, with AI-powered tools like Harvard's CS50 Duck, it also promises personalized support and equitable learning opportunities across disciplines, preparing students for future careers. However, challenges remain in humanities fields regarding plagiarism concerns. Read more about AI's evolving role in higher education. (Source: Axios)
Trellis: See how this Chicago recycling plant uses AI and robots to recover aluminum
Route Fifty: California to kick off first open enrollment season with automated system
GovTech: Connectivity Comes Through Streetlights for Small Maine Town
About Arch Street Communications
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