The purpose of this roundtable series is to tap the expertise of the private sector to develop a framework to deploy micro-cargo as part of a network of Urban Hubs in the Financial District (FiDi). Visit the Urban Hub page.
| AGENDA |
|---|
| Carbon Zero City Snapshot (5 min)
An overview of FiDi's transformation into a carbon-zero living lab and global innovation hub, this presentation will cover:
|
| Urban Hub Network Snapshot (5 min)
Exploration of the urban hub concept with a focus on operational improvements in FiDi, particularly emphasizing:
|
| Overview of Micro Cargo Wars! (5 min)
A recap of the first three roundtables with an invitation for feedback, discussing:
|
| KEY AGENDA: Action Plan (45 min)
Detailed strategy session to advance the micro-cargo ecosystem in FiDi, discussing potential partnerships and funding avenues, including:
|
| What's Next? (5 min)
A brief closing discussion on next steps and future sessions. |
| THE EXPERTS: |
|---|
Sam Starr |
Jeff Olson |
UNICORNS
In the business world, a "unicorn" refers to a privately held startup company valued at over $1 billion. The term was coined to highlight the rarity of such successful ventures. Unicorns are often recognized for their innovative technology or business model, which disrupts existing industries or creates new markets.
| PARTIAL LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS: |
|---|
Create a Micro Cargo Trade Group to unify the industry, influence government policies, and boost sector visibility, effectively shaping the regulatory landscape and advancing common interests. |
Propose Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to capitalize on micro cargo's potential and enhance NYC's operational efficiencies, driving innovations that could transform urban logistics and reduce carbon footprints. |
Immediately Pursue Public Funding from sources like the MTA and federal programs to innovate and build infrastructure, securing essential capital for pioneering projects that pave the way for a sustainable urban future. |
Establish Industry Standards by adopting international benchmarks to guarantee safety and quality, ensuring that micro cargo operations meet global best practices and lead in eco-friendly urban delivery solutions. |
Identify Industry Champions to replicate Citibike's success by building strong local and business alliances, mobilizing community support, and driving adoption through visible leadership and proven success stories. |
Identify Expert Groups to collaborate on policy development and craft solutions tailored to industry needs, leveraging expert knowledge to navigate complex regulatory environments and spearhead strategic initiatives. |
Develop a Logistics Plan integrating diverse operators with a hub and spoke system and the Blue Highway network, optimizing traffic flows and reducing congestion in key urban areas for faster and more reliable deliveries. |
Target Infrastructure Development by building a network of logistical hubs and setting unified industry standards, creating a robust infrastructure that supports rapid scaling and adaptation to changing urban demands. |
Cultivate Proactive Narratives to promote micro cargo benefits and effectively counteract criticisms, enhancing public perception and fostering a supportive environment for sustainable transport initiatives. |
| THE EXPERTS: |
|---|
Cindy McLaughlin |
Zach Schieffelin |
Paul Mondesire |
Dan Ilkay |
Steve Meyer |
Micro Cargo Could Do Many Things
Improving micro cargo systems could greatly enhance the local economy by diversifying delivery options, reducing traffic congestion, and minimizing delays. This efficiency boost increases productivity across multiple sectors. Additionally, it could generate new jobs in the carbon zero technology and logistics sectors, driving innovation and attracting investment.
| SAMPLE SUGGESTED BENEFITS: |
|---|
Reduced traffic congestion enhances city flow, optimizing travel time and lowering stress for commuters. |
Fewer emissions and carcinogens improve air quality, leading to healthier urban living and reduced respiratory issues. |
Safer streets and fewer accidents from smarter transport solutions decrease insurance costs and enhance pedestrian safety. |
Less noise pollution from quieter vehicles contributes to a more serene urban atmosphere and improves quality of life. |
Enhanced health benefits through cleaner living environments reduce public health costs and increase citizen well-being. |
Economic growth spurred by micro cargo innovations opens new markets and creates job opportunities in green technologies. |
Lower infrastructure costs lead to decreased maintenance expenses, freeing up municipal budgets for other critical services. |
| THE EXPERTS: |
|---|
Marcus Hoed |
Jonathon Nunan |
Gregg Zuman |
Martin Rahmani |
Austin Pferd |
A Quad in tribeca
Quads offer significant advantages including their narrow design, large capacity comparable to half a conventional van, and ample space for advertising.
| SAMPLE SUGGESTED BENEFITS: |
|---|
Standardize DOT Regulations to align the evolving micro cargo sector with international standards, focusing on vehicle dimensions for orderly market development and urban integration. |
Enhance Safety Measures by setting a vehicle width limit between 36” and 48” and revising speed limits, drawing safety lessons from London and Amsterdam. |
NYC as a Model City serves as an ideal testbed for pioneering global standards in micro-mobility due to its unique urban layout. |
Exploit the Blue Highway to revolutionize urban deliveries through eco-friendly vehicles and waterways, reducing congestion and emissions with support from EDC and DOT. |
Value for Property Owners emerges by transforming disused retail spaces into micro-mobility hubs, offering substantial economic and environmental benefits. |
Consensus on Safety promotes the use of helmets and vests to enhance the safety of micro-mobility users. |
Collaborate with Trucking to merge automotive-grade solutions with traditional trucking infrastructure, recognized by the Trucking Association of New York. |
Automotive-Grade Infrastructure supports robust chassis designs for versatile and durable micro cargo vehicle handling. |
Europe's Leadership in Micro Cargo sets an efficiency benchmark with high-standard, innovative trikes and quads. |
Subscribe to our biweekly Monday newsletter, which makes a compelling case for transforming the Financial District into the world's leading carbon-zero capital.