ASC's Intersections Newsletter — July 9, 2026
Nora's Note
The best commute is one we build together. Virginia has one of the most complex commuting landscapes in the country — multiple agencies, multiple programs, multiple brands, all trying to move people out of their cars and into something better. What makes it interesting is that instead of competing, the programs we’re going to learn about figured out how to work in the same sandbox.
On Tuesday, July 28, I’ll moderate a panel at the Association for Commuter Transportation’s 40th Annual International Conference titled, “Unlocking Commuter Habits Through Regional TDM and Shared Data.”Three key public sector leaders from the region will talk through how they aligned resources and communications to make sure programs including GoMyWayVA™ , ConnectingVA, GWRideConnect, and others work together, rather than competing for the attention of commuters.
We’ll move past high-level policy to how collaboration enabled them to use shared ideas and shared data to move people out of their cars and into something better. ASC supports the GoMyWayVA™ commuter app program—and we’re looking forward to being part of an important conversation around TDM, mobility, strategic partnerships, and innovation during the conference.
Transportation
Porchfest transforms neighborhood streets into free, community-run music festivals, where porches become stages, and anyone can perform. Started in Ithaca, NY in 2007 with just 20 acts, the concept has grown to over 250 events across the US, Canada, and Australia. With free admission, open sign-ups, and streets closed to traffic, Porchfest offers a communal, accessible alternative to the rising cost of live music. It's not centralized; any town or city can host their own. To spread the festival, Ithaca organizers put together a guide on how to get started and a map of events happening nationwide. Learn more about the festivals here. (Source: Streetsblog)
Gothamist: Amtrak’s Penn Station plan includes loads of public benches, a rarity in NYC
AMNY: DOT begins construction on pedestrian cyclist improvements on Avenue B
Mass Transit Magazine: CHRSA Board issues RFQ to extend California high-speed rail toward Merced County
Climate
How do forests thrive? Forest ecologist Suzanne Simard has conducted pioneering research on the vital role of the largest and oldest trees, often referred to as “mother trees.” She argues that these trees support the broader forest community through an underground fungal network that connects individual trees, enabling the exchange of nutrients, information, and resources. This network helps protect and sustain younger trees and saplings, increasing their chances of survival. As a result, preserving mother trees is essential for fostering forest regeneration and resilience, helping forests recover from challenges such as wildfires and logging while supporting long-term ecological health. Read more about mother trees here. (Source: Inside Climate News)
Grist: After a civil rights complaint, Chicago built the nation’s largest air monitoring network
Canary Media: Massachusetts Senate preserves energy-efficiency funding in new bill
Happy Eco News: Rooftop solar permitting Maryland gets faster and simpler
Economic Development
In Southwest Philadelphia, Bartram Village is being transformed into a 668 unit, mixed-income community. This month, the Philadelphia Housing Authority plans to begin demolishing 44 vacant properties to make way for 668 new mixed-income housing units. With a blend of rental and homeownership options, the $250 million investment in affordable housing will feature at least 500 deeply-affordable units. Read more to learn about local leaders’ statements on the upcoming work. (Source: Philadelphia Today)
The City Reporter: How the rent freeze will work for your next lease: A guide for tenants
Smart Cities Dive: This low-cost housing option is expensive to build. New law, regulatory tweaks could change that
Planetizen: A planner’s guide to AI prompting: Getting from vague to valuable
Digital
World Cup host cities throughout the United States are leveraging digital tools, namely GIS and livestreaming technology, to ensure order, safety, and fun as the matches continue. In Houston, officials developed an AI-powered platform on Atlas that uses GIS technology to map weather risks, emergency services, and World Cup events, so fans and first responders can have live information alike. Seattle implemented IKE Smart City kiosks providing game livestreams, weather reports, and free Wi-Fi, creating digital hubs throughout the city. In New York, LinkNYC kiosks are livestreaming matches, allowing for public spaces to become giant watch parties. These efforts have set American cities up for a safer, more connected future, beyond the tournament. Read more on these digital innovations here. (Source: GovTech)
Route Fifty: AI just a small part of Amtrak’s ‘invisible infrastructure,’ tech leader says.
TechCrunch: The White House is asking OpenAI to slow roll the release of its new model over safety concerns.
Forbes: This compact, emission-free gas turbine is rocket science.
About Arch Street Communications
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