ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of October 12, 2020

Nora's Note

Fingers Crossed. Yesterday, I was one of a group of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alum to speak with Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (NY-12) about the need for a second round of PPP support from the federal government for small business—the economic lifeline of NYC—to survive. There will be no recovery without small business, and the Congresswoman’s “let’s get together and cut a deal” determination was encouraging. Speaker Pelosi has told her to be prepared to be called back to Washington and return ready to vote. We are grateful for her time and her commitment to make it happen. She listened to stories of the spirit, innovation and remarkable generosity of small business owners determined to survive. I thought of ASC and our partners at Karp Strategies, who have teamed to help our sector meet the need for virtual public engagement to advance the civic projects that will fuel recovery. So for the next few issues, we’re going to use this space to share the stories of what other small business owners are doing on the road to recovery. And we’re keeping our fingers crossed that Washington finds a way to join us in doing the right thing.


Coming Soon

We're putting the finishing touches on a live webinar to share virtual solutions to tough public engagement problems. We'll be introducing ascRemote—a suite of tools and ideas to keep meaningful dialogue open from a distance. Sign up for updates at asc-remote.com. 


Transportation

Only 60 percent of transit agencies have a cybersecurity preparedness plan. As transportation agencies adopt new technologies, making sure that systems are secure becomes increasingly important for their operations. Just in time for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, researchers at the Mineta Transportation Institute have released a report about current cybersecurity practices at transportation agencies across the United States. The study finds that while most agencies feel they are ready for cybersecurity threats, only 60 percent have a formal plan for responding to an attack against their system—and 43 percent feel that those plans are inadequate. Read on to learn more about how collaboration between agencies, technology providers and the Federal government can support stronger, more secure transportation networks. 

  • WBUR: Study Finds Regional Pact To Reduce Transportation Pollution Could Yield Major Health Benefits 

  • NY Times: Why Women Are Biking in Record Numbers in N.Y.C. 

  • Transport Dive: Automated trucks: The good, the bad and the timeline 

  • Popular Mechanics: This Wind-Powered Super Sailboat Will Carry 7,000 Cars Across the Atlantic 

  • TheLoop: Bicycle Sundays in Westchester are Extended 

  • Mass Transit: Rochester RTS celebrates first of 10 electric buses 

  • Transportation Today: DOT campaign targets rail grade crossing safety 

  • Newsday: LIRR officials promise major advance in air-purifying technology 


Energy/Environment

Five ways to future-proof a building. Buildings currently generate more than a third of the carbon emissions associated with energy use, but green buildings like “Zero Energy" buildings are leading the way for a future with more efficient buildings. The choices during the design and construction of a building can support energy efficiency—and related environmental goals—for the entire lifespan of the building. The use of low-carbon materials and the thoughtful installation of insulation materials are just two methods that recent construction projects have used to increase efficiency. Read on to learn about more ways smart construction decisions can support reduced energy use.

  • SciDaily: New solar panel design could lead to wider use of renewable energy 

  • The Conversation: PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are widespread and threaten human health – here’s a strategy for protecting the public 

  • Clean Technica: 6 Rockland County Communities Launch Cost-Cutting Renewable Energy Initiatives 

  • NPR: How To Have Your Solar Farm And Keep Your Regular Farm, Too 

  • Yale Climate Connections: Multiple extreme climate events can combine to produce catastrophic damages 

  • Fast Company: This game-changing solar company recycles old panels into new ones 

  • Greentech Media: Will the Distributed Energy Revolution Leave Renters Behind? 

  • Smart Cities Dive: NYC 'leapfrogs' to top of ACEEE clean energy scorecard 


Economic Development

45 Cities Commit to Inclusive Economic Development.  Equity is a central issue of recovery and last week, 45 US cities committed to entrepreneurship initiatives aimed at leveling the playing field to advance gender and racial equity. Their inclusive economic development initiative supports people of color and women in entrepreneurship by delivering more resources to growing businesses and increasing access to much-needed funding. Read more to learn more about the cities that have committed to lowering the barriers to entrepreneurship for everyone.

  • Inc.: The SBA Makes It Easier to Apply for PPP Loan Forgiveness 

  • Westfair Communications: Westchester IDA backs multimillion-dollar renovations for Mount Vernon and Tarrytown affordable housing 

  • Bloomberg: Next Big Shift in Economics Takes Shape Under Covid Shadow 

  • Gothamist: NYC Seeks To Rezone SoHo And NoHo For Affordable Housing 

  • CNBC: The $700 billion Hispanic business market in the U.S. is now at the tipping point 

  • The Real Deal: Long Island plots to keep gains from pandemic shift out of NYC 

  • Yahoo! Finance: Small businesses are 'engaged and enraged — they’re hanging on for dear life' 

  • Associated Press: Amid COVID, many businesses in precarious spot as 2020 ends 


We want to hear from you and work with you! ASC delivers communication solutions that help communities see the possibilities.

Coming Soon: ASC will soon launch ascRemote—a suite of tools and ideas to keep a meaningful dialogue open from a distance. Sign up for updates at asc-remote.com.

Get in touch to learn how our signature approach can work for you.

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ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of October 5, 2020