ASC's Intersections Newsletter — May 21, 2026
🎧 Listen to this article
Nora's Note
We are so back. For 30 years, Arch Street Communications has helped public agencies and project teams bring people into the conversation around the projects that shape their communities. That work has taken many forms, including public outreach for transportation and infrastructure projects, community engagement around housing and energy, stakeholder communications, and clear public information that helps residents understand what is being planned, why it matters, and how they can participate.
ASC’s recertification this week as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), FAA DBE, and ACDBE in the recently overhauled federal DBE program—which requires federally funded infrastructure projects to include certified small businesses on procurement contracts—means we are able to continue, and expand, that role. Approved by the New York State Department of Transportation through the New York State Unified Certification Program, our certification creates new promise in a time of uncertainty for small business. We are grateful for this indicator of continued commitment to equitable procurement, which helps ensure that public projects benefit from a wide range of experience, perspective, and local expertise.
For ASC, this certification is about more than eligibility. It is part of our continued commitment to public work that is inclusive, accessible, and rooted in trust. We are proud to continue partnering with agencies, project teams, and stakeholders on projects that help communities move forward.
Transportation
New York City is moving freight off its streets and onto the water. The city's Economic Development Corporation plans to deploy electric refrigerated barges between Brooklyn Marine Terminal and the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center in the Bronx by 2030. This is part of the "Blue Highways" initiative to shift freight onto the city's 520 miles of waterways. With citywide freight volume projected to grow 67% over the next 20 years, the barges will also feed into electric cargo bike networks for last-mile delivery. Read more about how Blue Highways could transform goods movement across all five boroughs. (Source: Gothamist)
AMNY: Mamdani dedicates more funding to adding new bus and bike lanes across city
Streetsblog: Street safety and police reform are two sides of the same coin
Mass Transit Magazine: Phase 1 of LA Metro D Line subway extension begins passenger service
Climate
Miami is proving that underused urban infrastructure can become a powerful community and environmental asset. The Underline is transforming 120 acres of land beneath Miami's Metrorail tracks into a 10-mile linear park connecting neighborhoods from the Miami River to Dadeland South, incorporating native plants, cycling and walking paths, and green stormwater infrastructure. Once complete, the corridor will serve over 100,000 residents within a 10-minute walk. Read more to learn how this ambitious project is reshaping what a city can look and feel like. (Source: Happe Eco News)
Inside Climate News: In Puerto Rico, an innovative water treatment system fortifies a community
Grist: The surprising climate fix that Democrats and Republicans both love
Canary Media: Solar to overtake coal on Texas grid for the first time ever this year
Economic Development
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled a proposed $124 billion city budget that maintains reserve levels while advancing affordability, housing, and social service priorities. The plan includes investments in housing, education, and public services without major reserve drawdowns. Bolstered by additional state support, the proposal closes a $5.6 billion current-year deficit and an estimated $7 billion projected gap next year without raising income taxes on wealthy residents or corporations and without drawing down the city’s financial reserves. Read more about the ways this proposal seeks to balance policy goals and fiscal discipline. (Source: The City)
Smart Cities Dive: California governor proposes $500M to address homelessness
Multi-Housing News: NYC Mayor announces SPEED reforms for affordable housing
PressConnects: $10M revitalization will transform Binghamton’s Clinton Street
Digital
In California, leaders ask citizens to help shape AI policy. The initiative, called Engaged California, serves as a platform for citizens to air thoughts on how AI impacts their work, which lawmakers then use to shape AI policy. Engaged California is part of a greater digitization effort in the state, coined ‘digital democracy’—a means of leveraging technology to enhance civic engagement, transparency, and public participation in government. The Digital Democracy tracks every word spoken in public hearings, every dollar donated to politicians, every bill introduced, every vote cast, and more. With growing distrust in government and AI, these innovations could begin regaining civilian trust and hopes of a brighter future. Read more about the movement here. (Source: Route Fifty)
GovTech: Using GIS to get community buy-in for affordable housing
Forbes: Tackling plastic pollution with a greener alternative
TechCrunch: What happens when AI starts building itself?
About Arch Street Communications
At ASC, we help government agencies, corporations and nonprofit organizations across the globe communicate issues that affect people’s lives. We’re the bold, nimble, women-owned small business (WBE) that has supported strategic communications programs to build stronger communities for 30 years.
Ready to find the “simple truth” solutions to build a better future? We want to hear from you! Get in touch to learn how our signature approach can work for you.
Subscribe to Arch Street Communications' Newsletter Intersections
