Co-authored by NLC Federal Advocacy Intern Sharon Glenn
As August begins, Members of Congress are leaving the hustle and bustle of Capitol Hill behind and heading back to their districts for recess or their in-district work periods. Senators and Representatives use this time at home to maximize engagement with constituents — presenting updates from the federal policy landscape and, most importantly, listening to and addressing constituent concerns.
Recess provides a valuable opportunity for local leaders to connect with congressional representatives in their district by sharing community perspectives and highlighting key projects. The relationships built during meetings with Members of Congress can be a vital tool for ensuring local leaders’ priorities are reflected in federal policy. Here are a few tips for maximizing this opportunity:
1. Find a Time to Meet with Your Member of Congress While They are Home for August Recess
- Schedule a meeting in their district office or virtually.
- Attend a Town Hall.
- Coordinate an in-district engagement event! This could be a site visit to a current or future project to demonstrate the success of or need for federal funding and support. Through NLC’s Hometown Champions campaign, experts can provide your community with tools and access for the event. More information along with the participation form is available on our Hometown Champions: NLC In-District Engagement Campaign page.
2. Use the Time with Your Members of Congress to Highlight What is Important to Your Community
- Share your priorities and ask. Use any data you have about current projects, introduce ideas for new projects that need federal support and emphasize the importance of the federal government as a reliable partner now and in the future.
- Offer priorities around Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations. When the Congressional calendar resumes in September, federal funding for the next fiscal year will be the top priority as lawmakers race to pass all appropriations bills by Oct. 1. In your meetings, discuss important priorities that you have for future federal funding and urge your delegation to protect previously appropriated funding.
3. Get a Head Start on Considering Opportunities for Community Projects
Community Projects, also known as Congressionally Directed Spending, are one-time funding requests that cities, towns and villages can receive through the Appropriations process. Each Representative and Senator can nominate projects from their districts and states for the competitive process, highlighting the importance of the relationships that local leaders can build during August recess and beyond.
This type of funding provides cities with more certainty amidst the cuts to other federal grant programs. These projects can cover a wide range of topics including energy, infrastructure, workforce development, housing, public safety and more!
The period for Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations has closed but cities can begin preparing now for FY2027 requests. Local leaders should brainstorm what projects would be most impactful in their communities and start crafting a proposal prior to the request period opening early next year.
If you submitted a request for FY2026, see NLC’s Guide to Tracking FY2026 Requests in Congress.
For more information, visit NLC’s Community Project Request Guide and download our worksheet (PDF) to help get started.
Stay tuned for NLC’s upcoming blog series with examples of how different cities are using Community Project funding!
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