ASC's Intersections Newsletter — July 3, 2025
Nora’s Note
Fresh talent, real impact. A big summer welcome to ASC's first Climate Fellow Alyssa Rivera, and ASC's new cohort of interns, Layla Pluhowski, Grace Ding, Zoe Schellenberg, and Sophia Jiang. This talented group is already diving into projects across our Climate Strategy, Transportation, and Civic Planning teams. From day one, they’ve brought curiosity, fresh ideas, and a willingness to jump in, exactly what we look for in the next generation of communicators. They’ll work alongside specialists to sharpen their skills, and learn the ins and outs of public engagement, strategic messaging, and creative production. We’re excited to watch their growth and proud to support their journey. Want to be part of a future cohort? Get in touch!
Transportation
How solar PPAs help transit agencies electrify their fleets. Transit agencies aiming to electrify their bus fleets are turning to solar power and long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) to ensure reliable and affordable energy. An example is the Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN), which partnered with REC Solar to build a 514-kW solar charging canopy under a 20-year PPA. This infrastructure supports ATN’s fleet of electric buses and is designed to scale with future growth. Read more about building flexibility into the system. (Source: pv magazine)
AMNY: MTA expands service on 14 local bus routes starting June 29
Streetsblog: Black transportation justice: a closer look at intersectional labor movements
Mass Transit Mag: CT: West Hartford gets state funding for mobility hubs as town center construction continues
Climate
Alabama environmental groups secure rare win in fight to update water toxicity standards. Alabama regulators have agreed to update limits on 12 toxic and cancer-linked pollutants in the state’s waterways, following years of advocacy by seven environmental groups. The new standards, based on updated EPA science, are expected to better protect drinking water and popular fishing areas across Alabama. Read more about how these changes could improve water safety and public health in Alabama. (Source: Inside Climate News)
Grist: A year after Helene, river guides in Appalachia are navigating a new world
Canary Media: LG opens massive Michigan factory to make LFP batteries for the grid
Anthropocene Magazine: Solar farms help grasslands beat the heat – and significantly boost their business
Economic Development
NYC to launch pilot for universal child care as part of $116B budget deal. As part of a $116 billion budget agreement with the City Council, New York City is launching a $10 million program to offer free childcare for low-income families with children 2 and under. Childcare and accessibility have been central issues in the mayoral race, and the new Head Start pilot marks a step forward in addressing NYC’s affordability crisis and investing in the future of New Yorkers. Read more about this budget deal. (Source: Gothamist)
The City: Harlem’s One45 development gets key council clearance after years of setbacks
Smart Cities Dive: How the ‘big beautiful bill’ could impact affordable housing construction
K5: New Seattle proposal could bring $90M annual boost, support small businesses
Digital
How Wisconsin’s economic development arm has embraced AI. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has been hard at work learning the ways in which AI can streamline and strengthen its processes. WEDC have welcomed the widespread implementation of AI, leaning on the technology to efficiently and accurately allocate their limited funds to the most effective places. The implementation of AI has caused significant enhancements across many sectors, improving construction site safety and medical diagnostics. Read more for information on the WEDC’s process. (Source: Route Fifty)
GovTech: What’s new in digital equity: Washington State leadership change
Forbes: Surging investments in AI are transforming cybersecurity
TechCrunch: Congress might block state AI laws for a decade. Here’s what it means.
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