ASC's Intersections Newsletter — November 14, 2025
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Nora’s Note
On the Map with NYMTC. After months of collaboration, creativity, and strategic thinking, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) has been recognized on an international stage with a Bronze Stevie® Award for Social Media Team of the Year—the only U.S.-based finalist in the global category—in the 22nd Annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business! The award honors “Putting NYMTC on the Map Through Social Media,” a digital storytelling project that grew from a simple goal: communicate transportation planning in a way that feels human, clear, and genuine. The recognition belongs to Rossana Weitekamp, Stephanie Brooks, Caroline M. Ibarra, Sheila Enright and Noy Hayes, whose stewardship shaped a strategy to evolve NYMTC’s digital presence. And while awards are never the goal, they do something important: they remind us why the work matters. Clear communication helps people understand their transportation system. Better understanding leads to stronger participation, and strong participation strengthens the planning that guides our shared future.
See the full list of winners here: https://bit.ly/2025StevieAwards
Transportation
Voters across the country overwhelmingly backed new transit measures in this week’s local elections, signaling growing momentum for infrastructure that prioritizes shared mobility over car dependence. Communities have approved an estimated $11.8 billion in transit funding this year including Charlotte’s 1% sales tax increase projected to raise $338 million annually. Similar wins in Kalamazoo County and Colorado’s Yampa Valley show that support for better transit stretches far beyond major cities. Read more about the wins throughout the country, here. (Source: Streetsblog)
Gothamist: Trump’s threat to kill Hudson River Gateway tunnel was a political gift to Democrats
AMNY: DOT and city officials draw ire over soon-to-come ‘leaning bars’ at bus stops
Mass Transit Magazine: Nashville opens new queue jump bus lane, launches fare-free transit program for eligible riders
Climate
Rising energy bills are rewiring American politics. Voters in Georgia, Virginia, and New Jersey have made rising utility bills a centerpiece of recent elections, flipping key seats and influencing policies like Energy Star. This shift comes as U.S. energy prices climb at twice the rate of inflation, putting affordability at the forefront. Read more to see how clean energy debates and grid resilience are shaping political strategy. (Source: Grist)
Inside Climate News: Is burying the trees killed by wildfires a climate solution?
Canary Media: Virginia scored the election’s biggest climate win
Happy Eco News: Oil field restoration and grassroots action transforms former oil site
Economic Development
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will fully cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November, following a court order requiring the agency to issue payments to states. With this move aimed at ensuring grocery assistance reaches millions during the government shutdown, tensions between the agency and states remain high. Read more to see how the legal battle unfolded and what it means for low-income households and state operations. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Reuters: NYC commercial real estate industry seeks to work with Mamdani as rent freezes threaten
CNN: Voters blessed a building boom for affordable housing in New York. Is it a model for the country?
Mid Hudson News: City moves forward to claim millions for downtown revitalization
Digital
Voters in New York City overwhelmingly approved a charter amendment to digitize the official city map—updating 8,000+ paper maps and consolidating them under the Department of City Planning. Backers say this modernized system will speed housing approvals and cut costs in the city’s affordable housing push. Learn more about how this move fits into the broader land-use reforms and what it means for development timelines and equity. (Source: Route Fifty)
GovTech: Michigan utility rate is intended as shelter from AI costs
Forbes: How AI is redefining the future of work: a chief HR officer conversation
TechCrunch: Google Maps releases new AI tools that let you create interactive projects
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