ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of August 10, 2020
Nora's Note
Tell it like it is. The mantra in public engagement has long been keep it simple, keep it English, keep it plain. We always want to do our best to make sure everyone understands what new initiatives, infrastructure projects and policy changes mean to Main Street, and we dedicate considerable time to translating technical content into plain language as the foundation for meaningful participatory planning. But we’re thinking that the continuing confusion over what is real in this pandemic has added another verse to our public engagement chant, and that’s make it authentic. More than ever, people are looking for truth-tellers who are unafraid to share what’s real. Information needs to speak to equity and inclusion, to implementable solutions, and to concrete next steps more than for good intentions and plans. We all need something we can lean on right now—and we see a big opportunity for communication as we head into the next phase.
Transportation
FMCSA talks tech at virtual Truck Safety Summit. Advancements in technology can – and do – save lives on our Nation’s roadways. At a time when much focus is on restarting America following the COVID-19 shutdown, agencies like Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are advancing new practices, protocols and policies to reduce crashes, improve safety for all drivers and implement stronger mandates for the trucking industry. During its Truck Safety Summit held virtually last week, FMCSA looked to stakeholders, industry and policy makers to bring the tough topics to the table. Read on to learn more about advanced driver assist systems, speed limiters and other technology, and how they will help support FMCSA’s safety mission.
FHWA Public Roads: Small Business Innovation Research Program is spurring market-ready innovations to address transportation challenges.
Intelligent Transport: MTA and NYCDOT announce expansion of bus corridor enforcement
Virginia Mercury: With wildlife corridor plan, Virginia officials hope to reduce highway collisions with animals
Washington Post: Why climate change is about to make your bad commute worse
Transport Topics: DOT Funds Four New University Transportation Centers
The City: Two-Wheel Traffic Up on Bridges, But Cash-Strapped City Can’t Expand Crowded Bike Lanes
Smart Cities Dive: Tuk tuks could shift from novelty to necessity in the COVID era
Bicycling: How You Can Advocate for a Bike Lane in Your City
ABC News: MTA asks Apple's help to solve iPhone mask issues
Energy/Environment
Heat waves to heighten energy and water insecurity during COVID-19. It's getting even hotter out there. Heat, COVID-19 and unemployment are the trifecta sending energy and water insecurity issues soaring. Blazing temps always mean higher energy bills, but when you’re out of work and out of money, and state moratoriums on utility shut offs may be coming to an end, stress levels are also over the top. With the CARES Act on the verge of expiration, the US needs to take a closer look on national inequities surrounding basic human needs. Is COVID-19 going to push increasing equity in how we support our most vulnerable communities to the top of the Nation’s priority list?
Grist: New York is spending $1 billion to help residents conserve energy — and lower their bills
CNBC: Amid power outages, CEO of generator maker anticipates ‘massive change’ coming to the grid
Fast Company: This cute little robot floats to oil spills and sucks up the oil
CNN: 5 lessons from the pandemic to tackle the climate crisis
Bloomberg Law: New York City Pressured to Prove Clean Building Laws Can Work
CNY News: NYS DEC Adds 241 New Acres to Catskill Preserve
MIT Technology Review: How falling solar costs have renewed clean hydrogen hopes
SciDaily: Analysis of renewable energy points toward more affordable carbon-free electricity
Wired: Why Do Solar Farms Kill Birds? Call in the AI Bird Watcher
Economic Development
A Third of NYC Small Businesses Could Close as Result of Pandemic. A recent study warns it will be harder to restart New York City's economy after the coronavirus than it was to shut businesses down. Small businesses, especially black-owned businesses, have been hit especially hard by the economic downturn of the past few months. Small businesses are the backbone of the local and State economy, so supporting small businesses with initiatives like public-private partnerships will be a key factor of any strategy to help businesses and jobs bounce back.
SI Live: Staten Island Economic Development Corp. aims to help underserved communities
Poughkeepsie Journal: Broadband funding a matter of establishing information equality
Market Scale: New York State Bets Big on Tech
Entrepreneur: Are Immigrant Entrepreneurs Left Behind By Small-Business Aid?
The Atlantic: The Workforce Is About to Change Dramatically
The Journal News: New York State’s path to recovery can be paved through infrastructure projects
Gotham Gazette: A Housing Policy to Stimulate the New York Economy
Conversation: Cyberspace is critical infrastructure – it will take effective government oversight to make it safe
Rochester First: “Staycations” along canals and trails offer free ways to rediscover New York, boost economy
We want to hear from you and work with you! ASC delivers communication solutions that help communities see the possibilities.
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