ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of September 28, 2020

Nora's Note

We’re all in for recovery. ASC is doing our part to support communities and governments with creative virtual solutions to keep the public engagement conversation—and the projects that will pave the way to recovery—moving forward. ASC clients recently received our take on how to leverage the new LinkedIn format changes in their outreach and communication. In the spirit of working together for recovery, we’re sharing it here as well. Happy posting!


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


Transportation

As Pandemic Persists, Need for E-Scooter and E-Bike Safety Increases. As passengers look for socially distanced transportation, there has been a focus on micromobility options like e-scooters and e-bikes. COVID-19 is not the only threat to passenger safety, though, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association’s new report, Understanding and Tackling Micromobility: Transportation’s New Disruptor. The report identifies rider inexperience and high speeds among potential causes of injuries for both riders and pedestrians. To better address risks, the association calls for more consistent regulations, more robust tracking of micromobility-related injuries and improved infrastructure. Read on to see how cities across the U.S. are adapting to emerging micromobillity trends. 

  • CNET: Hawaii gives self-driving car testing the green light 

  • Cities Today: Tel Aviv pilots ‘electric road’ to charge buses 

  • Fast Company: The pandemic created a biking explosion. How can cities make it permanent? 

  • NY Times: California Plans to Ban Sales of New Gas-Powered Cars in 15 Years 

  • Axios: New push for autonomous vehicles bill 

  • Transportation Today: FHWA initiates transportation innovation support 

  • NJ.com: Next month, all Newark airport shuttle buses will be green and clean 

  • Homeland Security Today: Transportation Secretary Chao Announces $335 Million in Infrastructure Grants to America’s Airports 


Energy/Environment

Design as Preventative Care’ Can Mitigate Heat Island Effects. Cities are increasingly more prone to extreme heat, and a recent study predicts New York City will see the most drastic increase in heat exposure across U.S. cities in the coming century. This increase in extreme heat poses a significant health risk, especially when compounded by the air pollution disproportionally seen in the City’s historically disenfranchised communities. To mitigate the health impacts of this deadly combination, two New York City climate experts call for a range of measures to improve air quality. From enabling doctors to prescribe air filters to increasing tree cover on public property, read on for more of their ideas to protect air quality and health amid rising temperatures.  

  • GreenTechMedia: How the Coronavirus Pandemic Has Impacted US Solar So Far 

  • Energy News Network: Maine company looks to tidal power as renewable energy’s next generation 

  • ScienceDaily: Researcher analyzes the use of solar energy at US airports 

  • NPR: 1 In 7 Americans Have Experienced Dangerous Air Quality Due To Wildfires This Year 

  • Associated Press: Leaders to UN: If virus doesn’t kill us, climate change will 

  • Utility Dive: With PSE&G's new $1B efficiency program, New Jersey takes early moves toward new utility business model 

  • WABE: How Georgia Protected Its Salt Marsh 50 Years Ago, And Why That’s Important For The Future 

  • Spectrum News NY 1: Javits Center Invests Big in Clean, Locally Generated Green Energy 


Economic Development

Business Association Calls on Mayor to Launch 'Open Stores' Program to Help City's Struggling Retail Sector. With New York City making its Open Restaurants program permanent last week, retail businesses are looking to the program as a model to support their own recovery efforts. The New York City Business Improvement District Association has proposed the city allow businesses to use the sidewalk surrounding their stores. By bringing shopping outside, the Association believes businesses will be able to support more shoppers while maintaining social distancing—which will be vital for the upcoming holiday shopping season. Read on to learn how the proposed plan could support the City’s retail sector.   

  • CBS News: As fossil fuel jobs falter, renewables come to the rescue 

  • Route Fifty: Local Officials Say They Need More Time to Spend CARES Act Money, as Future Aid Remains in Doubt 

  • CNN Business: Six months into the pandemic, the US economic outlook is getting gloomier 

  • NY Daily News: How tech can help save NYC – A more inclusive innovation economy can point the way forward 

  • Westfair Communications: New Moody’s report predicts the post-pandemic economic landscape 

  • Politico: Industry City developers pull the plug on yearslong rezoning project 

  • CNBC: Banks and small businesses look to Congress to streamline PPP forgiveness 

  • Governing: What Happens to Cities When the Arts Go Dark?


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

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ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of September 21, 2020