ASC's Intersections Newsletter — October 6th, 2023
Nora's Note
Taking public engagement into the digital age. ASC’s Intersections newsletter is getting an upgrade this year with the addition of breaking news and key insights on public engagement in the digital space. Each week, ASC experts share the most recent news in digital public outreach, AI development, website design, accessibility tech, and more. According to Pew Research Center, over 80% of American adults identify digital sources as their most accessed form of news, with many minority populations preferring social media platforms over apps and websites. Equitable and inclusive digital outreach requires harnessing the power of data to tailor content to diverse audiences and stay ahead of misinformation. Keep reading to stay up to date on the latest in public engagement and information sharing in the digital space and let us know what topics you would like to hear more about.
Transportation
MTA fare-free buses pilot coming to five routes. On September 24, 2023, the MTA launched a limited fare-free buses pilot on five routes, a first for the agency. Made possible through funding from the New York State FY2024 budget, passengers can board a fare-free bus without paying, but if they transfer to another bus or the subway, they must pay the fare at the transfer point. This program allows the MTA to better understand the needs of riders and identify opportunities to improve service. Read more to learn how fare-free service affects ridership, access, equity, and fare evasion. (Source: AMNY)
Baltimore Sun: Annapolis to launch pilot trolley service in Eastport in effort to expand public transit options
Mass Transit Mag: FTA awards $8.9 million in Tribal Transit Program grants
Maine Public: Electric buses are now helping to transport people around Acadia National Park
NY Post: It’s back to the office as key NYC subway stations reveal big ridership gains
Climate
NY sets first-in-the-nation concrete emissions limits for state agencies. New York is working to address the global carbon emissions that come from the cement industry. Governor Kathy Hochul announced 'Buy Clean Concrete,' the first state-level mandate to limit greenhouse gas emissions from concrete used in state-funded public buildings and transportation projects for all state agencies. Starting in January 2025, projects will be required to provide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to identify the environmental impacts for concrete mixes. The environmental impact must be below the limit set by New York State. Read more to learn about the mandate. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Smart Cities Dive: Local governments share curbside composting program lessons
Hartford Courant: A CT town is going solar to save taxpayers millions on its electric bill
Axios: FAA offers millions for sustainable fuel rollout
The Hill: High school students launch ‘Green New Deal for Schools Campaign’
Economic Development
Student loan debt forgiveness becomes a reality for more than 804,000 who paid for decades. Over 804k student loan borrowers who had been making income-aligned payments for 20-25 years have had their outstanding student loan balances forgiven. Many borrowers have faced years of payments without significant reduction in their balances due to a federal miscalculation that was supposed to forgive payments. The adjustment marks a major relief for borrowers who diligently adhered to repayment plans. Read more for information on how student debt relief impacts both low and middle-income borrowers. (Source: USA Today)
MPR News: A vision for green energy — and jobs in underserved communities
Inside Climate News: EPA Rolls Out Training Grants For Environmental Justice Communities
The Daily Yonder: For Rural Communities, Broadband Expansion Is No Single Thing
The 74: South Dakota Unveils $3 Million Grant Program for Community Child Care Solutions
Digital
AI Hurricane Predictions Are Storming the World of Weather Forecasting. AI-based weather models are proving to be promising in improving hurricane forecasts. During Hurricane Lee, AI models provided accurate predictions, even outperforming traditional physics-based forecasts. The AI models operate swiftly, generating predictions within minutes compared to the hours needed for traditional forecasts. While lacking the ability to predict uncertainty in the model itself, AI excels in efficiency and could play a crucial role in official forecasts soon, according to experts. Read more to learn what challenges remain in integrating AI into mainstream meteorology. (Source: Wired)
Roll Call: Data privacy law seen as needed precursor to AI regulation
Route Fifty: Augmented, not artificial, intelligence should be government leaders’ priority
Forbes: AI Is The Future Of Hiring, But Humans Play The Most Important Role
GovTech: DOL Awards $204M to Improve States’ Unemployment Tech
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