ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of October 5, 2020
Nora's Note
It’s Women’s Small Business Month, and ASC is proud to be among the 13 million women-owned firms in the US . We’re especially proud of the track record we’ve built that has kept us working with no layoffs through the hardship of the pandemic. A recent survey shows 75% of women-owned small businesses are now facing negative impacts of the pandemic, and we’re frustrated no Federal action is being taken to keep our sector on the path to recovery. The survey shows our home state of New York to be one of the most supportive states for women-owned businesses throughout the pandemic—but pressure on the Federal government is needed to keep small business open.
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
New York State Announces EV Charging Stations At New York State Thruway Park & Ride Commuter Lots. The installation of electric vehicle charging stations at commuter parking lots in New York is a major incentive to join the more than 50,000 electric vehicles currently registered in the State. The addition of nine new EV charging stations to the State’s existing charging network makes it easy for electric vehicle drivers to park at a lot, use public transportation for the commute and return to a charged car, helping reduce emissions from traditional gas-powered cars. Read on to learn more about how the new chargers fit in with other State initiatives to advance clean transportation across New York.
Bloomberg CityLab: The Americans Who Could Be Stranded by Transit Cuts
Washington Post: Pandemic-related budget cuts leave travelers with rough roads, outdated airports and fewer transit options
Transport Topics: DOT’s Transportation Self-Governance Program for Tribes Takes Effect
Transportation Today: PennDOT moves forward on Highly Automated Vehicles
Fast Company: Imagine a transcontinental network of protected bike paths
Government Technology: Innovative Transit Projects Get Infusion of Federal Cash
Mass Transit: FTA announces final report of CCAM to improve access to transportation
NY Times: Help! I’d Like to Ride the Train. Is it Safe?
Energy/Environment
Solar-hydro projects could power 40% of world, says Department of Energy study. Solar and hydropower currently make up a combined seven percent of the United States’ electricity, but researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimate pairing the two could supply up to 40 percent of the world’s power. By placing floating solar panels on hydropower reservoirs, the researchers predict both solar and hydropower operations would become more reliable and less expensive. Economic and engineering factors, however, could reduce the viability of the hybrid model. Read on to learn how this research could shape emerging floating solar technologies.
Scientific American: Ninety Percent of U.S. Cars Must Be Electric by 2050 to Meet Climate Goals
Cities Today: Why telling stories could help cities combat climate change
NBC News: In Newark, N.J., a toxic Superfund site faces growing climate threats
Energy News Network: Maine farmers, solar developers hope clean energy growth yields mutual benefits
GreenTechMedia: The Wind Sector Trend Helping to Minimize Bird Deaths
NorthJersey.com: New York and New Jersey need affordable, reliable energy infrastructure
Route Fifty: Supreme Court to Hear Energy Companies’ Appeal in City Climate Change Lawsuit
The Conversation: Shrinking glaciers have created a new normal for Greenland’s ice sheet – consistent ice loss for the foreseeable future
Economic Development
NYS program to help COVID-impacted small businesses increase online sales. With most pre-pandemic commerce taking place in-person, many small businesses have explored e-commerce for the first time as they try to stay afloat. In New York, small businesses can now look to Empire State Digital as they move to the virtual marketplace. Through this partnership between Empire State Development and several e-commerce service providers, Empire State Digital offers tools and resources to simplify the process of launching and managing online operations. Read on to learn more about the services the new program offers local small businesses.
Niagara Frontier Publications: NYS initiative to train 1,000+ workers to install green building technologies to combat climate change
Governing: How State and Local Governments Are Crucial to the Economy
City & State NY: Gowanus rezoning proposal revived with City Hall support
Brooklyn Daily Eagle: Launch of NYC Small Business Resource Network
CitiesSpeak: Reimagining Recovery Using Private Sector Indicators
ABC 13 WHAM: Cuomo announces federal funds for business, workforce development amid COVID-19
CNBC: New York City misses out on billions of tourism dollars as coronavirus keeps Broadway dark
NY Times: Workers Face Permanent Job Losses as the Virus Persists
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.
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