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Article

Cities of the Future Must be Heat Resilient: A Framework for Combating Urban Heat Islands

June 17, 2022 by Sal Gullotta

We are a few short days away from the start of summer and the first heat advisory warnings have been issued across the country— it looks like it’s the start of a very hot summer. Experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their monthly climate trend report predicting above-average temperatures and below-average participation for most parts of the U.S. (See map below) The northeastern region in particular is expected to see high temperatures throughout the summer, with Philadelphia already experiencing an early spring heat wave in May.

The Problem 

It seems like each summer we are breaking a new record of high temperature across the globe and this, by no means, is a coincidence. Due to increased levels of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, the earth has seen its hottest days on record in the past 10 years since 2005 according to climate research at NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, State of the Climate. Higher temperatures have devastating impacts on weather events, increasing both their severity and frequency. Warmer oceans mean more hurricanes, increased rainfall and flooding for coastal cities, severe tornadoes across the Great Plains and parts of the northeast, and devastating wildfires in the west. However, extreme heat is the primary cause of climate-related deaths in the U.S., much deadlier than the aforementioned weather events. 

The Impact  

Although extreme heat will be an issue for the U.S. at large, cities are going to see much more exacerbated levels of high temperatures due to a phenomenon that scientists have categorized as the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Cities are hotter than rural areas due to the large concentration of asphalt buildings and cement, which absorb solar heat and reflect it back into the dense city environment. Long periods of extreme heat, reduced nighttime-cooling, and high air pollution levels can have devastating consequences on the cities’ most vulnerable populations. Children, older adults, and individuals with certain medical conditions are particularly susceptible to increased heat-related health problems and heightened mortality rates. This reduces the overall quality of life of residents in cities and can have negative consequences for many other aspects of the city economically.  

Urban heat islands and their consequences are not just formed between the city and rural regions comprehensively.  Even within city walls, urban heat impacts different parts of the city differently due to the variety of surface cover temperatures. These micro-islands are geographically located in low vegetation, low-income, black and brown neighborhoods, while cooler areas of the city often are wealthier, whiter, and greener according to a 2021 study, with African American residents experiencing more exposure on average.

The Framework

Resilient Citizens and Communities  

Creating heat-resilient cities means expanding our knowledge about the different and various ways people experience heat. Understanding the complexities of urban heat and how it impacts each of us differently is crucial in avoiding a one-size-fits-all solution to combating it. Differentiating how low-income residents experience heat versus how farmers or construction workers experience heat will help create intentional and site-specific adaptations and designs while also addressing the actual needs of each resident.  

Education will play a huge role in addressing urban heat, and empowering citizens with the information and resources to combat it in their own communities. Implementing a city-wide campaign on extreme heat will increase the public’s awareness of the health risks that come with extreme heat exposure and the cooling opportunities/resources available to them. Heat action plans like Boston’s, and community mapping initiatives like Atlanta’s are setting a great precedent for creating heat strategies that are not only publicly available, but community-involved. This type of public education campaign will be useful in cities that historically do not experience long periods of heat. However, it is important for public awareness about the severity of urban heat to remain at the forefront in cities like Houston, Phoenix, or Orlando where extreme heat exposure is much more common.  

Early warning heat advisory communications are also life-saving tools that can be used when the chance of a heat wave does in fact present itself. Philadelphia’s Heat Health Watch Warning System was the first in the country and has proved useful for heatwave forecasting. It has since been implemented in cities worldwide. Providing early information and education about when excessive heat is forecasted, how to respond, and where resources are located are important strategies for mitigating heat crises in cities.  

Resilient Climate-Informed Design  

Cities will need to leverage technology to create nature-based design solutions for urban heat adaptation. Resilient strategies like greening roof efforts, planting street trees specifically in tree-poor areas, public green spray grounds and cooling centers are ways to offer communities relief from the summer heat. Green water infrastructure is another vital sustainable strategy that allows for more natural vegetation, soils, and open water surfaces to combat the excessive heat loads within a city block. Green and blue infrastructure designs are not only tools for climate change adaptation, but they also strengthen the capacity of heat resilience within cities.  

With climate-informed design, it is important to know that these technologies must work in tandem with other greening solutions. For example, alternative pavement coatings can reduce city temperatures overall due to the materials’ ability to have higher solar reflectance, but studies have shown that their impacts on humans actually increase body temperatures. Scientists and climate activists have echoed that cool pavements paired with other heat-resilient infrastructure like street trees and cooler street corridors would be more impactful to both the city and its inhabitants.  

Resilient Networks  

Tackling urban heat and the inequities that come with it will require building out cooling networks where government entities, community organizations, residents, planners, developers, scientists, and the private sector are all in collaboration with one another. This network will need to support one another in UHI mitigation strategies starting with policy adaptations, zoning code refinements, and retrofitting new building code requirements that align with climate-resilient design standards. Developing a citywide network will aid in both the prevention and responsive operations for cities vulnerable to not only UHI but other extreme weather events. Establishing roles like Miami-Dade County’s Chief of Heat Officer will help expand, coordinate and accelerate efforts to reduce and prevent heat related tragedies.

When cities address urban heat, they are advertently addressing inequality. The future of cities will require combating both the imminent consequences of climate change, as well as the inequities and disparities that will be exacerbated because of them. Prioritizing and implementing an action plan for urban heat and establishing a framework that is city–specific, resident–centered, and technologically forward will save lives… especially because it is only going to get hotter from here.

 

Kendra Hills | hills@econsultsolutions.com

Kendra Hills is an intern at Econsult Solutions supporting ESI’s Center for the Future of Cities. She is currently a Master’s student at the University of Pennsylvania, studying city & regional planning with a concentration in smart cities.

Filed Under: Blog Post Tagged With: equity and inclusion, global warming, heat resilience, smart cities, urban heat islands

Smart Cities and Cybersecurity

June 10, 2022 by Sal Gullotta

Historically, most cyber attacks have been directed toward firms, but as cities continue to grow smarter, they carry more information on their residents, making them more valuable targets for cybercriminals. On June 1, 2022, Costa Rica’s National Health Service was taken captive by ransomware known as Hive. To regain control of its systems, Costa Rica must pay the criminals $20 million in bitcoin. Over the last five years, cities in the U.S. such as Atlanta, Baltimore, New Orleans, and Albuquerque have been the victims of cyber attacks. For the cities of the future to defend their citizens’ data, they need to elevate their approach to cybersecurity.

So how can governments know if their cybersecurity is up to standards? Unfortunately, there is currently no widely accepted measurement for evaluating the strength of a city’s cybersecurity. Governments tend to cite the amount they spend on cybersecurity each year as an indicator of its strength, but there is no way to know if that money is being used properly. However, there are several standards currently in practice across various industries that could be modified for government use, such as the ISA/IEC 62443 system for automation and control system applications, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) system, which secures North America’s bulk electric system, and the UL 2900 series of standards for network-connectable products (UL 2900-1), medical and healthcare systems (UL 2900-2-1), industrial control systems (UL 2900-2-2), and security and life safety signaling systems (UL 2900-2-3). Other resources, like the Lockheed Martin Cyber Kill Chain, are general enough to be used by smart cities with little to no adaptation. Regular vulnerability assessments will also be crucial in determining a city’s cyber strength.

By incorporating elements from various existing industrial cybersecurity standards, cities can develop a concrete plan for evaluating and improving their cybersecurity. That plan might look similar to the following structure:

Integrate

Cybersecurity is more effective and less expensive when it is factored into decision-making processes, not just tagged on after already making a decision. This could mean choosing not to adopt certain smart technologies if an effective way to mitigate their cybersecurity risk does not exist yet. For example, emergency alerts, street video surveillance, and smart traffic signals are high-risk smart technologies, so they should only be installed if it is determined that their benefits outweigh both the cost of installation and their cybersecurity risk. For all new technologies, cybersecurity must be built in from the beginning, not added on at the end.

Educate

City officials must educate their employees on cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Using multi-factor authentication
  • How to properly use WiFi
  • Using secure passwords
  • How to avoid phishing emails and other online scams
  • Requiring anti-malware software
  • Staying away from risky websites

Evaluate

A city’s cybersecurity must be regularly evaluated by a third party. This will include live tests, such as vulnerability assessments, as well as other metrics, such as ensuring the city has multiple backups of all essential data and plenty of IT and cybersecurity professionals. To pass this step, those working with sensitive information must use most, if not all of the following measures. 

  • Anti-malware helps identify, remove, and block malware. This can include IP blacklisting, data loss prevention tools, antivirus/antispyware software, web browsing policies, egress filtering, and outbound-traffic proxies.
  • Endpoint detection and response works with anti-malware to perform automated action when a breach is detected. It alerts security analysts when an endpoint is compromised, provides immediate action, such as isolating the infected portion of software, and provides security teams information to help analyze the incident. It also tends to be better at detecting breaches from unknown sources than anti-malware.
  • Continuous Vulnerability Management involves constantly scanning for security weaknesses. This includes manual work, such as vulnerability assessments and fixing bugs, as well as automated work, such as application patchwork and scanning for coding bugs that could be exploited by attackers.
  • Intrusion detection and prevention systems have two types: IDS and IPS. An IDS detects and monitors threats, but it won’t take action on its own. An IPS decides on its own whether to accept or reject packets based on rules. Both IDS and IPS analyze traffic and compare it to known threats.
  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence use behavior analytics to proactively detect threats, assess threats in real-time, and evaluate risk. Artificial intelligence in cybersecurity is still mostly aspirational, but over the coming years, as cities grow ‘smarter,’ it will continue to grow stronger with more user interaction and will eventually become an important capability in cybersecurity.
  • Mobile device management software should be installed on each high-risk government employee’s work-dedicated device. The MDM software monitors behavior and critical data. This gives an administrator full control to monitor, troubleshoot, track, and even wipe device data if a breach is detected.
  • Network access control sets network policies and prevents noncompliant devices from accessing a network. Paired with anti-malware, it helps avoid an initial breach by keeping government employees away from high-risk websites.
  • Next-generation firewalls detect and block more sophisticated attacks than previous generations of firewalls. They include features such as application control (automated whitelisting and blacklisting), IPSs, and sandboxing, which tests potentially malicious software by running a program without allowing it to affect the application, system, or platform it runs on.
  • Strong authentication and authorization. This authenticates users and grants them access based on their authorization level. Newer versions provide additional security by using digital certificates and public key infrastructure solutions, like a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate, which encrypts connections and verifies that the website is trustworthy.

Recuperate

When all these measures fail, cities need to be prepared with a Computer Security Incident Response Plan (CSIRP or just IRP for short) to minimize the damage of a successful attack. Officials must realize that public scrutiny is inevitable, and it does not justify rushing the recovery process. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the general steps for incident response are the same for companies and cities:

  • Before the attack, an incident response team must be established.
  • Once the attack occurs, the indicators of a breach must first be detected and analyzed. 
  • Then, the threat must be contained. Often, this means either sandboxing or disconnecting the attacking force from the data source, but NIST makes it clear that the incident response team should have a specific containment plan for each type of attack they anticipate.
  • Next, the threat must be eradicated, which often involves deleting malware and compromised accounts.
  • Then, the infected department can start to recover. This will involve restoring data from clean backups, notifying any civilians or employees whose data was involved in the breach and reinstalling defense mechanisms against a future breach.
  • Finally, the department’s security plan must be updated, and employees must be trained to ensure immunity towards the same attack in the future.

In addition to using cybersecurity at large firms as a model for smart city cybersecurity, cities can partner with them directly. In August 2021, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency established the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) to unify the federal government, states, and cities with the public and private sectors in a joint cybersecurity effort. JCDC has 21 private sector Partners, including Microsoft, Google Cloud, and Verizon. By working alongside cybersecurity specialists across the globe to create objective standards, as well as working to integrate cybersecurity into decision-making processes, educating employees on vulnerabilities, evaluating their cyber strength regularly, and recuperating properly from a breach, moving into the future smart cities can elevate their cybersecurity and keep their citizens’ data safe.

More about Cybersecurity

Check out some of these sources to learn more about cybersecurity yourself:

  • https://www.cisa.gov/jcdc
  • https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6395
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352484721007265
  • https://www.wgu.edu/blog/6-industries-most-vulnerable-cyber-attacks2108.html#close
  • https://www.govtech.com/blogs/lohrmann-on-cybersecurity/an-inside-look-at-new-york-state-government-cybersecurity.html

 

Caleb Cavazos | ccavazos@econsultsolutions.com

Caleb Cavazos is an intern at Econsult Solutions, Inc. He is currently a senior at the Haverford School, and will be attending Duke University in the fall. He assists ESI with general research, note taking, and business development.

Filed Under: Blog Post Tagged With: Cybersecurity, security infrastructure, smart cities, smart technologies

Electric Vehicle Highlight: Innovative Models in Production

May 20, 2022 by Sal Gullotta

With the emergence and consistent advancements taking place in the automotive and technology sectors, electric vehicles (EVs) are a topic that is not only relevant, but a consistently necessary addition to the conversation regarding a more sustainable future. EVs are taking the world by storm, and staying up to date on the growing makes and models of EVs is increasingly important. Here, we highlight some current innovative EVs, a brief description about their respective manufacturers, and what makes each car unique. 

Keep in mind that this is by no means a ranking of the vehicles, but merely a comprehensive list of some of our favorite EVs! From convenient and affordable to sporty and sophisticated, these vehicles are some of the more popular vehicles available to date. As cities move towards smarter and more technological infrastructure, means of transit will certainly change with the times as well. Staying on top of trends and what’s new in the EV space can help you make informed decisions as innovation reshapes the landscape.

Tesla Model 3

https://www.tesla.com/model3

Manufacturer: Tesla

Year: 2022

History and Background: Tesla was founded in 2003 with the intention of removing the stigma that driving an EV was a compromise. Around this time gasoline powered cars were always the sleekest, muscle-based, or all-around performative when it came to class and aesthetic. Zero-emissions is Tesla’s goal for the future of which their products are geared from. In 2008, the first ever Tesla vehicle, the Roadster, was unveiled by the company’s CEO, Elon Musk, a name of which I’m sure we are all quite familiar with. 

https://www.tesla.com/model3

For those who aren’t aware of who he is, Musk is the CEO of Tesla. Along with a list of accolades that precede him, Musk has also founded PayPal, SpaceX, Solar City, Open AI, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. Being a pioneer of a multitude of firsts, Tesla has proven time and time again that EVs can be as captivating as traditional vehicles with combustion engines.

The Model 3 comes equipped with a whole host of great features, including the options for dual motor all-wheel drive, performance brakes, and high-end technology. With Tesla’s 30,000 charging stations worldwide and counting, providing this all-electric vehicle with a charge should not be an issue. In achieving NHTSA 5-star safety ratings and the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, it’s difficult to go wrong with the Model 3. Besides the Model 3, Tesla is also known for the Model X, Model S, Model Y, and the Cybertruck.

Pros:

  • Zero Emissions
  • A tech lover’s dream
  • Luxurious exterior/ interior
  • Amazing Speed & Comfort

 

Kia Niro

https://www.kia.com/us/en/niro

Manufacturer: Kia

Year: 2022

History and Background: Kia is a Korean auto manufacturer that was founded in 1944 and initially named Kyungsung Precision Industry. When the company started, it had a focus on manufacturing bicycle parts and steel tubing. Then in 1952, Kyungsung changed its name to the name Kia, which is globally renowned for its innovation in Automotives. Many people ask the question: “What does Kia stand for, if anything?” It stands for Ki, meaning “To Rise From” and A for Asia.

https://www.kia.com/us/en/niro

The Kia Niro was first introduced in 2016 and the 2022 model has since been upgraded in many ways! With ample room in the interior and the latest industry-standard technology and safety features, the Niro is a near-perfect fit for almost anyone. Although the car is a hybrid, it is still classified as an EV. Kia is a top contender in its class, and the Niro shows that off well.

Pros 

  • Amazing fuel economy
  • Super roomy cabin
  • Great entry level pricing
  • Easy maneuverability
  • Drive Assist technology

 

Volkswagen ID.4

https://www.vw.com/en/models/id-4.html

Manufacturer: Volkswagen 

Year: 2022 

History and Background: Volkswagen (VW) has been an integral part of German engineering, with the German Government founding Volkswagen in 1937. Germany wanted to craft the best car for the people, and with that goal in mind they have provided the world with some staple vehicles, including the Beetle, Golf, Passat, and Jetta. 

https://www.vw.com/en/models/id-4.html

The Volkswagen ID.4 is a huge breakthrough for being the company’s first– ever vehicle that is completely electric. VW is known for top-tier gasoline automobiles, so the turn toward electric and more eco-conscious vehicles is an incredible milestone for the company. Not to mention that the ID.4 is a five passenger EV. With luxurious amounts of space, you can drive in comfort and style, all with the renowned performance of German engineering. The future is looking very bright.

Pros 

  • State-of-the-art car technology throughout
  • Incredible safety
  • Great entry level pricing
  • Easy maneuverability

 

Ford F-150 Lightning

https://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/f150-lightning/

Manufacturer: Ford  

Year: 2022 

History and Background: When we hear the name Ford, we tend to think about the slogan “Built Ford Tough.” The Ford brand was born in 1903 in Detroit when Henry Ford built his first vehicle model in a workshop behind his house. From there the brand began to grow its base with the creation of the successful Model T in 1908. Known as one of America’s founding fathers of muscle vehicles, it’s a breath of fresh air to see the conversion to EV, not to mention the Ford F-150 Lightning is deemed a very capable EV. Ford sells 900,000 gasoline-powered F-Series trucks per year, making their revenue $40 billion per year—that’s more than some of our most familiar household names like Nike, Coca-Cola, and more. Hence, this transition to EV is, again, very good news. No corners were cut in the production of this powerful EV truck.

https://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/f150-lightning/

Everything from torque to horsepower provides a similar experience of a combustion engine truck, all without the emission of CO2. The design of the grill also provides that futuristic, elevated feel that gives this model a very fresh look, which complements the smooth trim on the rims. For those who also enjoy the trending front trunk (frunk), the Ford Lightning comes equipped with this luxurious option.

Pros 

  • 11 power outlets, including four 120-volt plugs in the trunk
  • Amazing for towing with a large cabin
  • Keeps standard F-150 integrity
  • A true delight for a truck lover

 

Nissan Leaf

https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/electric-cars/leaf.html

Manufacturer: Nissan 

Year: 2022 

History and Background: Nissan initially originated in Japan in 1928, when Yoshisuke Aikawa, the founder, became the president of Nihon Sangyo. The company officially expanded to the U.S., under the name “Datsun” in 1958. These cars were the first mass-produced automobiles coming out of Japan, and had a substantial impact on the automobile market in the U.S. thereafter.

https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/electric-cars/leaf.html

As time has progressed and EVs have become more commonplace in society, Nissan has released their own EV, the Leaf, to propel the company forward in the new age of automobile technology. With the Leaf’s fantastic torque and handling, the benefits of a well-rounded performance EV are packed into this small and extremely convenient vehicle. Perfect for any task, from highway drives to inter-city errands, the Leaf can meet all of your needs in a sustainable and compact way. 

Pros 

  • Lightweight and easy maneuverability
  • One of the most affordable EVs
  • A good amount of safety technology
  • Offers regenerative braking

 

Polestar 2

https://www.polestar.com/us/polestar-2/

Manufacturer: Polestar

Year: 2022

History and Background: Originally a racing team, Polestar assisted Volvo in winning the Touring Car Championship in 1996. However, the company decided to begin pursuing their own projects and go public in 2013 with the release of their S30. Volvo ended up purchasing Polestar to officially head their performance division. In 2019, the company plunged into the EV industry with the release of their first model—the Polestar 1, a hybrid vehicle. Now, in 2022, the release of the Polestar 2 marks the company’s first fully electric vehicle.

https://www.polestar.com/us/polestar-2/

The Polestar 2 offers a powerful performance with its all-new electric powertrain, regenerative braking, and extraordinary handling. Further, the battery of the Polestar 2 does much more than simply provide power to the vehicle—it also serves as an aid for responsive handling with its low center of gravity. It’s also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including its Google-powered infotainment system. While not many people have have heard of Polestar, it’s definitely worth a look into this fantastic EV!

Pros 

  • Uses a wide range of sustainable and recycled materials
  • Technologically advanced interior
  • Offers regenerative braking
  • Built-in Google android infotainment system

 

Closing Thoughts

Again, the preceding list of some favorite EVs of ours is by no means an exhaustive list of all the options out there. Moving forward, understanding EV infrastructure will increasingly be an important undertaking for society. Specifically, looking at the challenge of prioritizing equity in EV infrastructure planning is something that ought to be at the forefront of EV technology. With ESI’s Center for the Future of Cities initiative, we hope to keep conversations going about topics such as these, both the serious and less formal aspects, all while keeping one eye on the present and one on the future.

 

Intern in suitSalvatore Gullotta | gullotta@econsultsolutions.com

Salvatore Gullotta is an intern at Econsult Solutions working in the Business Development and Marketing Department. He is currently a second-year student at Drexel University, and assists at ESI with proposals and content management (managing ESI Present Value [weekly blog] and social media).

 

Kagiso Reed | kreed@econsultsolutions.com

Kagiso Reed is a Business Development and Marketing Associate at Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI), where he works within the operations of the business development team. In addition to working with client relations and assisting with proposals, he is responsible for navigating new methods of traditional and social media content development to further push the framework of ESI’s brand.

Filed Under: Blog Post Tagged With: electric vehicles, popular electric vehicles, trending

ESI Eats: Putting Values into Motion

May 13, 2022 by Sal Gullotta

Looking out of the window from the 4th floor of the history-laden Drexel Building, peering down at the action below never gets old. Everything from the commute to the hustle and bustle of Center City is exciting. There’s not a single place we would rather be than close to City Hall, which some consider the heartbeat of Philly.

Now picture this: You’re walking through the tight-knit corridors of Center City. Almost without even noticing it, the aromatic scents of delicious Mexican cuisine fill your nose. As you walk one more block down the street, a different smell hits you: scrumptious and sweet. No doubt the aroma of fresh pastries. All the while, you pass by small shops run by local owners, with tourists and general passersby enjoying the thriving environment.

Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? The City of Philadelphia is full of life, wonder, and amazing local businesses that are indispensable additions to our region. At ESI, being proponents of and creating conversations around the future of cities is something we value. Local business is an outstanding catalyst for some great benefits, including economic development and growth, increased diversity and inclusion among communities, and a more sustainable and less negatively impactful effect on the environment. We take a strong stance in supporting the local businesses that help get us through our day-to-day lives, whether that be through nourishment, clothing, fragrances, etc. Philadelphia is so fruitful with what it has to offer to all, and the following is one way we are highlighting it.

ESI Eats

One of the great initiatives that is currently taking place at the firm is ‘ESI Eats’, where our staff is incentivized to go out and explore the restaurant landscape in the surrounding area. Here’s how it works:

  • In the spirit of encouraging team building and supporting the downtown economy, every staff member gets an allowance that can be used when 2 or more people go out to lunch or coffee.

With the onset of this initiative, we have noticed folks on our team bonding, sharing food, and becoming more connected. Aside from this being an incredible way to connect on a personal level, it also helps with our push towards supporting local businesses. Even in our time as Philly natives, there are so many restaurants that we’ve newly discovered thanks to staff. Further, ESI serves as a creative haven for our employees to present, brainstorm, and execute ideas. With this focus on what our employees have to say, we believe and trust that with their help, the initiative will prosper since they’re Philadelphia residents and know the goings-on of our great city!

Words from the President

ESI is striving to continue supporting and highlighting local businesses. We recently sat down with firm President and Principal Lee Huang to get his thoughts on the importance of supporting local businesses. With progressive leadership straight from the top down, Mr. Huang generously gave the following thoughts on this effort:

“Earlier this year, I made the call to bring us back into the office. Part of that is because I believe that as a firm we work better together in person, both in terms of doing the work and in building our culture. But maybe a bigger reason, which I kept coming back to as we deliberated the matter, is that as a firm that purports to be about cities and that is working towards a brighter future for our cities, it feels good for us to be putting that into action by contributing our own foot traffic to the downtown scene and our own discretionary spending to local businesses.

In this regard, coming back to the office and giving staff a monthly allowance to dine out is the natural consequence of the notion that our existence as a firm is not as an island, but in relationship with a physical location, an ecosystem of businesses and residents and commuters and tourists. We benefit from the setting in which we’re located, and the shopping options and public amenities and street life that we can access here. And, in turn we benefit the setting by being physically present, for it’s our eyes and ears and dollars that help make the city safe and vibrant.

Now, practically, who doesn’t love getting some money to eat out? So I guess you could call this an employee perk. But it’s also an invitation to come together around a set of shared values that we are trying to foster in the firm and among our staff, which is that who we patronize and where we spend our money is a reflection of what’s important to us. It’s why I’ve encouraged people and asked our marketing team to amplify the support of local businesses and entrepreneurs of color and places that prioritize the environment.

I acknowledge we’re a small company, so the magnitude of our impact is relatively minimal. But it’s meaningful for us. And maybe it sparks similar actions by other organizations, big and small. We believe in the future of cities, and we’re committed to the future of Philadelphia. This is one way we’re putting those values into motion.”

Closing Thoughts and Social Media

As Mr. Huang noted, putting these values into motion is one of the most important things we can do. Dining and shopping small are some of the simplest ways to help support and give back to local communities, and in the city, it is so easy to do. Besides the fact of it being hard to pass up fresh and locally prepared food from our neighbors, eating locally truly does carry so many benefits to the community that often go unnoticed.

Another hugely beneficial component in creating more buzz and support of local businesses is also the highlight of them—and social media is a wonderful tool to achieve just that. Through the continued promotion of our wonderful local business neighbors in all of our communities, as well as showcasing our company’s personality, this initiative is an exciting step in increasing engagement and involvement in this locale we all share together. Social media is truly a powerful asset to any business in this day and age, so come take a look at ESI’s Instagram to see more about this initiative, as well as what our staff likes to chow down on. Finding new ways to innovate our social footprint is a step we are greatly looking forward to taking. The opportunities are endless, and this is one step in the direction of a brighter future.

 

Intern in suitSalvatore Gullotta | gullotta@econsultsolutions.com

Salvatore Gullotta is an intern at Econsult Solutions working in the Business Development and Marketing Department. He is currently a second-year student at Drexel University, and assists at ESI with proposals and content management (managing ESI Present Value [weekly blog] and social media).

 

Kagiso Reed | kreed@econsultsolutions.com

Kagiso Reed is a Business Development and Marketing Associate at Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI), where he works within the operations of the business development team. In addition to working with client relations and assisting with proposals, he is responsible for navigating new methods of traditional and social media content development to further push the framework of ESI’s brand.

Filed Under: Blog Post Tagged With: Gullotta, local business, Reed, restaurants, shop local

Prioritizing Equity in EV Infrastructure Planning with Data

April 15, 2022 by Sal Gullotta

As gas prices skyrocketed across the country these past few months, so has the conversation surrounding electric vehicles (EVs). Congress recently passed the 1.7 trillion-dollar infrastructure bill, with nearly 7.5 billion of it allocated towards building out America’s EV charging network. Now more than ever, people are looking for alternatives to their gas vehicles and considering EVs to decrease their carbon footprint. With the urgency of climate change informing how cities transition to greener infrastructure, EVs are increasingly becoming a viable solution for citizens and cities worldwide. This newly increased interest in EVs has led to cities planning and redesigning communities to accommodate the growing consumer market. According to a 2021 annual report by Blastpoint, although COVID-19 decreased the sales of vehicles overall, EV sales increased in some parts of the country by more than 30%.

EV Pitfalls

  • Lack of charging infrastructure. Although public perception of EVs is steadily warming up, there is still a steep hill for public and private agencies, as well as cities to climb if they want people to fully commit to a greener way of driving. The lack of charging infrastructure and the need for publicly available charging in disadvantaged communities and rural corridors must be at the forefront of EV adoption. As it stands, there are only about 45,000 charging stations, and 115,000 public and private charging outlets in the U.S., with a considerable amount of them in California. And even within cities that have a considerable amount of charging stations, the majority are in neighborhoods where the median income is substantially higher.
  • Lack of accessibility for rural communities. Communities in rural areas also come with their own set of barriers to EV adoption. Rural commuters often drive longer distances and may need more access to at home charging rather than publicly available charging in higher density cities. However, installing and maintaining EV charging stations along the U.S.’s rural corridors is essential to completing the charging network, and assuage the range distance anxiety that a lot of EV drivers feel due to the lack of stations when taking longer trips.
  • Lack of accessibility for persons with disabilities. There is also an accessibility issue when it comes to the design of electric cars due to the battery pack being installed under the floor bed of the vehicle, raising it inches higher than the standard gas-powered car. This can make it difficult for wheelchair users, or those with physical disabilities to easily maneuver in and out of the vehicle. A small adjustment in design could mean millions of Americans could have access to the EV market that previously did not.
  • Lack of visibility of EVs keeps confidence levels down. Municipalities should also include the electrification of transit buses, street sweepers, and other commercial fleet vehicles to increase EV visibility on the roads. If potential customers see EVs being integrated into the city landscape, along with more charging stations, this builds confidence and increases the likeliness that they will commit to an electric car knowing that there is infrastructure built to support them.

True Potential for Electric Vehicles

If cities plan with a data centered, equity framework for EV charging stations and EV marketing, there is a unique opportunity for cities to address the inequities the greener efforts of EVs by leveraging high quality data. Understanding how communities use their transportation networks and analyzing activity-based travel modes will be a powerful tool when the transitioning to the EV model. Overlaying these insights with other demographics, such as income, mobility, and road quality will be powerful metrics of design for EV infrastructure in both cities and rural areas.

Transportation analytics can also be used to optimize and select the best site location for EV charging stations, to not only increase EV exposure, but to ensure that there are no charging deserts. Additionally, integrating big data analytics can help to better estimate the load on the electric grid that EVs are having depending on the time of day, which is critical for assessing installation and operating costs.

By leveraging powerful analytical tools, we can be sure that the transition to greener infrastructure targets communities who are disproportionately impacted by poor air quality and includes them in the planning process. Both private and public agencies will have to prioritize increasing the awareness and exposure about EV technology and green technology if equitable and inclusive deployment of EVs will be successful. Implementing inclusive mobility initiatives like Volkswagen, to ensure its EVs are ADA accessible, or developing a designated national network of Clean Cities Coalitions like the Department of Energy are examples of inclusive and equitable green planning. Partnership and collaborations with companies like EVHybridnoire, who are focusing on Black and Brown communities to diversify the E-mobility consumer market are imperative when designing inclusive solutions for electric mobility.

Here at ESI Center for Future Cities, we understand that transitioning to an EV future means planning for everyone and being intentional about inclusivity from the start. The longevity and sustainability of a nationwide EV network means cross collaboration between the private sector, policy, data, and underserved communities in order create greener streetscapes that everyone can benefit from.

 

Kendra Hills | hills@econsultsolutions.com

Kendra Hills is an intern at Econsult Solutions supporting ESI’s Center for the Future of Cities. She is currently a Master’s student at the University of Pennsylvania, studying city & regional planning with a concentration in smart cities.

Filed Under: Blog Post Tagged With: Center for the Future of Cities, electric vehicles, equity, EV, Future of Cities, Hills, transportation and infrastructure

SEPTA Key Advantage: A Driving Force for a More Equitable Philadelphia

April 11, 2022 by Sal Gullotta

Access to reliable transportation is crucial to maintaining stable employment, achieving educational goals, accessing healthcare and social services, and participating in community life. With a per capita median income of under $30,000, transportation costs can be a significant burden on Philadelphians. How do we reduce that burden, while also maintaining a transit system that’s taken a huge hit in ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

In other cities, unlimited access passes have been shown to increase ridership and improve access to economic and educational opportunities, while at the same time reducing traffic, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation costs. Our team at ESI has spent the last couple of years researching peer transit agencies in places like Seattle, Boston, Columbus, Minneapolis, and Chicago. From these examples, we’ve pulled together best practices to help create an institutional pass program for Philadelphia. While there’s still plenty of work to be done in developing an array of universal pass solutions for various target groups (employers, students, developers and landlords, even business districts), SEPTA has recently taken a great leap forward with announcing the upcoming Key Advantage pilot.

As we continue to work with SEPTA on the launch of the pilot and the development of a permanent Key Advantage program, we anticipate three key benefits: less cars on the road, reduced costs, and a brighter future for SEPTA.

Less Cars on the Road

  • Public transportation can help reduce congestion. These last two years have been full of uncertainty, forcing many businesses to rethink their operations. While we continue to better understand what a future of living with COVID looks like, one thing is certain: Philadelphia will need a solution to accommodate return-to-office plans, especially for the many businesses located in the Center City and University City areas.
  • Parking can be freed up for those who need it. More often than not, finding parking in the city can be both expensive and challenging. For institutions like Penn Medicine (one of the Key Advantage pilot partners), reducing the need for employee parking opens more spaces for patients who need access to healthcare facilities.
  • It’s more sustainable than driving. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, bus transit on average emits an estimated 33% lower greenhouse gas emission rate per passenger mile than the average single occupancy vehicle. Public transportation can therefore reduce carbon footprints not only by providing a low-emissions alternative to driving, but also by facilitating compact land use, reducing the need to travel long distances.

Reduced Costs

  • Cost-sharing across an organization lowers costs per person. While a monthly SEPTA pass can range between $96 for the TransPass (good for travel on Buses, Trolleys, the Norristown High Speed Line, the Broad Street and Market Frankford Lines) to $204 for the TrailPass (covering both Transit and Regional Rail), this new pilot allows employers to purchase six months of SEPTA all-access passes for their employees for as little as $140 for the full length of the pilot. The only catch is that employers must purchase these passes for all of their employees – not just those who currently use public transportation.
  • Rising gas prices have less of an impact on individuals. Gas prices have skyrocketed to record-breaking levels in recent months, up nearly 50% from one year ago. While individuals may be able to cut back on unnecessary trips, some cases such as travel to jobs, healthcare, and essential services can’t be avoided. No-cost transportation eliminates the cost burden to people, so they can sufficiently get where they need to go.
  • Transportation can become a competitive benefit to retain talent. The Great Resignation of the last year has been costly to employers. Recruiting, onboarding, lost productivity, and lost engagement add up. Offering free or significantly reduced transportation costs can become a competitive advantage for employers to help reduce turnover.

A Brighter Future for SEPTA

  • Institutional passes can help stabilize revenue. Transit ridership has dropped heavily across the country due to the pandemic. For transit agencies with institutional pass programs, however, revenue changes were less volatile.
  • More riders can lead to a safer experience. As Jane Jacobs’ said, in order for a street to be a safe place, “there must be eyes upon the street, eyes belonging to those we might call the natural proprietors of the street” (Jacobs, 1961). The same sentiment of public spaces holds true on our buses and in our underground subway stations. More riders will lead to a greater feeling of safety.
  • Induced demand can lead to increased service levels. This spring, SEPTA service levels will get close to pre-pandemic levels. The potential increase in ridership that might come about with the Key Advantage program could lead to improved service times to meet the growing demand.

SEPTA has already made great strides in reducing the burden of transportation costs in recent years. The agency decided to hold off on price hikes due to the pandemic. Children under 12, if accompanied by a fare-paying adult, can now ride SEPTA for free. Additionally, a rider’s first transfer is now free. SEPTA has also extended the time window for a transfer from 90 minutes to two hours.

In tandem with these progressive strides, a new institutional pass program that allows employers, universities, or landlords to offer low or no-cost transit is just one more step forward in making SEPTA more accessible and improving equity in Philadelphia.

 

Tiffany Hudson | hudson@econsultsolutions.com

Tiffany Hudson is a senior analyst at ESI. Ms. Hudson provides expertise in economic development, marketing strategies, infrastructure planning, as well as business and government strategies. Her experience dates back to 2013 when she was a sales analyst and category manager for Kao, USA. Ms. Hudson has 8 years of professional experience in project management, data analysis, client management, spatial analysis, design thinking, and strategic planning.

Filed Under: Blog Post Tagged With: equity, Hudson, SEPTA, transportation and infrastructure, universal pass

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