ASC's Intersections Newsletter — August 22nd, 2025
Nora’s Note
After years of anticipation, the MTA has awarded a $1.97 billion tunneling contract to extend the Second Avenue Subway into East Harlem. The Phase 2 expansion brings the Q train to 125th Street, with stops in between at 106th, and 116th Streets, finally bridging a long-standing transit gap in the neighborhood. By repurposing a 1970s tunnel and deploying a modern tunnel-boring machine, the MTA expects to cut construction time and save nearly $1.3 billion. But well before travelers board new public transportation facilities, public engagement is behind the scenes working to ensure every voice is heard in bringing these kinds of projects into focus for communities. Keeping equity and clarity at the center of transit transformations is essential in mapping a mobility future that benefits all.
Transportation
The first hybrid-electric public ferry in New York begins running to Governor’s Island. The ferry, named the ‘Harbor Charger’, saves $417,000 in fuel and electricity costs and produces 70% less carbon emissions than comparable diesel boats. Although not the first electric fleet in the country, the Harbor Charger is a trailblazer in New York and marks a big step in addressing the climate crisis. Read more about the transition to clean ferries here. (Source: New York Post)
AMNY: ‘Greater Greenways’ plan will see dozens of new bike and walking paths coming to NYC streets, waterfronts, and parks
CoStar: New York’s office foot traffic tops pre-pandemic level
Mass Transit Magazine: MassDOT releases new study focused on riders’ experience with its transit systems
Climate
Heat pumps in factories could save money and lives. A new study revealed that swapping fossil‑fuel boilers for industrial heat pumps could save $1.5 trillion, prevent 77,000 premature deaths, and avoid millions of asthma attacks—all by 2050—especially benefiting lower-income communities near factories would especially benefit from the change. It’s a compelling reminder that sustainable technologies can deliver profound public health and climate payoffs. For deeper insight, see the IEA’s outlook on the future of heat pumps and for additional context on how industrial heat pumps work see NYSERDA’s fact sheet on industrial heat pumps. Learn more about the findings here. (Source: Grist)
Gothamist: NYC could expand cooling centers during heat waves under newly passed legislation
Inside Climate News: A Vermont forest tries a new model of growth, diversity, and logging
Canary Media: Trump admin reopens $5B EV charging program after losses in court
Economic Development
In South Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) and the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) have teamed up to bring accessible artificial intelligence training to rural entrepreneurs. Through a free, hands-on course, called More Than Marketing: Leveling the Playing Field with AI nearly 100 small business owners learned how to leverage AI tools in marketing, HR, and operations. This collaboration reflects a widespread effort to make sure that small businesses are not left behind in the rapidly growing AI landscape. Learn more about the AI training here. (Source: Valdosta State University)
The City: Mission to revive abandoned spaces with art expands to public housing
New York Business Journal: Midtown South rezoning plan approved, paving way for 10,000 new homes in NYC
City Business: New Orleans Redevelopment Authority offers $30K marketing grants to small businesses
Digital
New York City just kicked off its inaugural IT Management Academy, a three‑month leadership lab for 27 IT professionals from 19 city agencies. These director‑level pros will dive into strategic growth, tech operations, and executive best practices as they build stronger digital systems for all New Yorkers. The training, fully funded by the Office of Technology and Innovation and facilitated by DCAS, underscores the City’s investment in smarter, more resilient government technology leadership. It’s an exciting step toward equipping public‑sector technologists with the skills and the network to guide our digital future. Learn more about the academy here. (Source: State Scoop)
Smart Cities Dive: Texas city pioneers tech that uses waste heat to generate drinking water
GovTech: University at Buffalo launches new degree programs in AI
Route Fifty: Could AI prevent teacher burnout?
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