ASC's Intersections Newsletter — April 9, 2026
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Nora's Note
Quick route to savings. Pervasive in campaigns, policy, and stump speeches, affordability continues to surge as the political buzzword of the moment, but even when war in Iran sends gas pump prices over $4 per gallon and analysts warn that prolonged disruption is likely to push them even higher, EV vehicles have yet to become the avatar for pocketbook savings. The ASC team works on projects to increase EV charging, auto and fleet use that would benefit from back-up from public sector and manufacturer outreach and promotion to step consumers into EV. Moments like this should be used to highlight the practical benefits and significant improvements in EVs and charging, not only as climate solutions, but as tools that can help reduce exposure to fuel price swings and strengthen long-term energy resilience. There’s a real opportunity right now to connect today’s gas-price challenges with solutions that deliver on the affordability promise, put savings in the hands of consumers, and advance collective action with personal benefits. At ASC, we research what changes may mean to individuals and turn the bigger story into plain, actionable, what's-in-it-for-me communication.
Transportation
New York City’s annual car-free Earth Day is back on Saturday, April 25, with dozens of streets across all five boroughs shutting down to vehicles from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosted by NYC DOT, the event transforms the selected streets into pedestrian-friendly zones featuring free activities, live performances, public art, and environmental programming centered around climate change and sustainability. After its first launch in 2016, the event has grown from a Manhattan-only initiative to a citywide celebration connecting Open Streets, plazas, and over 1,000 miles of NYC’s bike network. Read more about the initiative, here. (Source: Gothamist)
AMNY: Transit officials announce clean air investments in South Bronx thanks to congestion pricing revenue
Streetsblog: State Bill would stop highway expansions near vulnerable New Yorkers
Smart Cities Dive: US DOT opens $1B in funding for safe streets and roads
Climate
Salt Lake City builds a residential building with an innovative system, combatting air quality issues. The city’s stunning mountain backdrop masks a persistent environmental challenge: the surrounding peaks trap polluted air in the valley, creating poor air quality for residents. This new building introduces an innovative response, incorporating specialized ducts with hospital grade filtration that deliver clean air to each of the building’s 372 units and release air back outside even cleaner than it entered, offering a promising model for future buildings seeking to improve both indoor and community air quality. Read more about the project here. (Source: Fast Company)
Inside Climate News: A church’s geothermal experiment could pave the way for projects across New York
Grist: Data centers are straining the grid. Can they be forced to pay for it?
Canary Media: How a community solar breakthrough took shape in Illinois
Economic Development
New York City’s ongoing rent freeze debate is bringing renewed attention to how policymakers evaluate the financial health of rent-stabilized housing. Commonly cited income metrics for landlords may not fully reflect rising operating costs, inflation, and the realities facing smaller property owners. This underscores the challenge of balancing tenant affordability with the long-term sustainability of the city’s housing stock. Decisions made by the New York City Rent Guidelines Board will not only impact renters and landlords in the near term, but could also influence reinvestment patterns, building conditions, and neighborhood stability over time. Read more about this debate here. (Source: The City)
Smart Cities Dive: Office-to-housing conversions grew 28% last year
Manufacturing Dive: The price of progress: How manufactures are weighing AI’s energy demands
PBS: Three ways the Senate’s major housing reform bill could have a big impact on affordability
Digital
As schools weigh how best to use artificial intelligence, many districts are focusing on governance frameworks instead of rushing into adoption. AI implementation is in full swing across all sectors, however, educators push to prioritize policy implementation for a smoother, more researched transition. Education leaders are developing policies around equity, transparency, and data protection to ensure AI supports rather than disrupts learning. Read more about how K–12 systems are prioritizing responsible integration and digital ethics here. (Source: GovTech)
Route Fifty: Inside the government website accessibility lobbying push
Forbes: To build stronger AI, we need to better understand the human brain
Reuters: Investors press Amazon, Microsoft, and Google on water, power use in US data centers
About Arch Street Communications
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