NEPA Secures Nearly $1 Million for Water Conservation and Flooding Protection

Flooding is ranked as the number one natural disaster in Pennsylvania, with reports that a single inch of water causes $25,000 in home damage.

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Greener Plus Grant is awarding NEPA nearly $1 million for water conservation and flooding protection.

Projects will include creek restoration, reconstructing river banks, and wetland preservation. 

Click here to read the full article

Philadelphia Announces Housing Initiative to Create and Preserve 30,000 Units

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has signed an executive order to increase the citywide housing supply and preserve housing units.

Partners include the Philadelphia Housing Authority, The Building Association Industry of Philadelphia, and other urban organizations, who will incentivize housing revitalization and prevent housing instability.

The group will present recommendations for the initiative in 30 days, with action plans to follow. 

Click here to read the full article

Young Caregivers Face Hidden Struggles

New research is helping to determine the effects of young caregivers.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, young people between the ages of 10 and 25 have been increasingly providing primary and secondary care.

PA Post discusses new research emerging on young caregivers, and the lifestyle implications of young people providing care to grandparents and siblings.      

Click here to read the full article

Generative AI’s Workforce Impacts will Likely Differ from Previous Technologies

Last year, Brookings Research released a report examining possible patterns of AI in the labor market, and how generative AI will intersect with specific occupations.

It was determined that over 30% of workers may see at least half of their occupational tasks impacted by programs such as ChatGPT.

This report expands on earlier findings and explores the role of generative AI in various working environments. 



Click here to read the full article

Expanding Digital Opportunity

Reliable high-speed internet is essential for contemporary education, employment, and human connection.

However, many areas still struggle with a wide digital divide between affordable and accessible internet.

The Urban Institute discusses how to address digital gaps and make digital opportunities more equitable. 



Click here to read the full article

NYC Project Pilots Designs for Neurodiverse Residents

A school system in New York City’s Nest Program is partnering with New York University to make more accessible services for students with autism spectrum disorders.

Schools and city infrastructure are not typically designed with neurodiverse inhabitants in mind, creating barriers to education and other everyday functions.

Architects and researchers are now developing ways to address gaps in services and building designs, experimenting with new processes to engage neurodiverse students. 



Click here to read the full article