ASC's Intersections Newsletter — May 28, 2026
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Nora's Note
Power up everyone’s future. One of the themes in climate talk right now is that the clean energy transition depends on people, not just technology. And nowhere is that clearer than in the coming shift to electrified buildings. More than 50,000 buildings must transition from oil and gas to electric heating and power, and that means workforce development has to keep pace. Programs like the free Career Pathways in Building Electrification Summer Intensive Arch Street is advancing with Bronx Community College and Bronx Academy of Design and Construction, in a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)-funded grant are creating entry points for students and career changers. The opportunity came to life during this week’s CPBE information session at the college. Jeff Domanski, ASC director of climate strategy, Anthony Johnson, the program’s lead instructor, and Madelaine Centeno from Bronx Community College walked attendees through the four-week summer program, which starts July 6 and includes training from members of IBEW Local 3, professional certification, and a $500 completion stipend. The big questions of the night—Will you help us find opportunities after the training? (Yes!) Is hands-on experience part of the training? (Yes!). Enrollees also gain tutoring, job preparation, and career guidance. The program is one of several workforce programs ASC is supporting through our NYCCEE initiative, including a training program with Soulful Synergy funded by NYPA.
Transportation
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a previous representative and resident of Astoria, Queens, is spearheading community support of low traffic neighborhoods (LTNs). LTNs, common in London and Barcelona, have proven to reduce pollution, increase pedestrian safety, and attract residents to outdoor areas due to reduction of through-traffic. The Department of Transportation has also initiated street safety projects in Queens in recent years, underscoring the borough's enthusiasm for positive change. Learn more about LTNs and safety initiatives in Queens. (Source: Streetsblog)
Gothamist: Grand Central Madison station gets new entrance for LIRR riders
AMNY: Express order: MTA board approves purchase of new diesel buses to run out of Staten Island depot
Mass Transit Magazine: SFRTA partnering with Henderson Behavioral Health to implement suicide prevention initiative related to railroad trespassing
Climate
In Texas, solar overtakes coal on the grid for the first time ever. Solar is now set to generate more electricity than coal on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas(ERCOT) grid, marking a major shift in one of the country’s most market-driven power systems. Texas will produce 78 billion kilowatt-hours from solar in 2026 versus just 60 billion from coal, and that solar output is expected to grow again in 2027. Read more about how Texas’s rapid solar buildout is outpacing coal and what it could mean for other states. (Source: Grist)
Inside Climate News: As wildfire grows near ex-nuclear site, a California county sets up radiation air monitors
Happy Eco News: Rainmaking with trees as a drought solution cuts Oregon wildfire burn rate through strategic forest hydration
Geekwire: Climate progress at 30,000 feet: Alaska Airlines’ Ryan Spies on the flight path to sustainable aviation
Economic Development
The House passed the amended 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, primarily aiming to increase affordable housing supply. The vote was 396-13, a major bipartisan breakthrough, answering to the 63% of voters would be likely to vote for a representative who helped build more affordable housing and lower housing costs. The ROAD to Housing Act, which has been passed to Senate for final approval, includes efforts to streamline inspection processes and publish new zoning best practices. Read more for reactions from housing organizations. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
The City: Mamdani to lower rent for low-income New Yorkers in city-financed buildings
Investopedia: Why Philadelphia is becoming a top retirement city for affordable urban living
Boston.com: UMass Amherst launches major housing revitalization project
Digital
One of the toughest job markets for new college graduates in two decades has emerged in 2026, with AI cited as a major driver behind the decline in entry-level tech and cybersecurity positions. Despite hundreds of thousands of open cybersecurity roles in the U.S., many grads are underemployed as organizations use AI to absorb work that once served as a career on-ramp. Experts advise graduates to focus on skills AI cannot replicate such as relationship-building, judgment, and storytelling, while also pursuing skills-based opportunities in a market where degrees are becoming less decisive. Read more about the findings here. (Source: GovTech)
Canary Media: This AI tool helps community solar developers connect to the grid sooner
Smart Cities Dive: 18 startups chosen to test tech solutions for NY transit systems
Route Fifty: Denver launches AI platform to boost permitting efficiency and housing development
About Arch Street Communications
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