As the year comes to an end, we take a look back at the most popular CitiesSpeak blog posts from 2025! From the impact of federal legislation and regulations to useful resources and beyond, explore the topics that mattered the most to you over the last year.
1. Local Impacts from Congress’ One, Big, Beautiful Bill
On July 3, the House passed the Senate’s version of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) in a vote of 218-214, and President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4.
2. Act Now if You’re Behind on ARPA SLFRF: Non-Compliance Explained
The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was a historic, first-of-its-kind direct investment in cities, towns and villages of all sizes. The SLFRF program was specifically established to help communities manage and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. For many local governments, this was the first time they had received a direct federal grant, and understandably, the reporting requirements and compliance obligations have come with a learning curve.
With the reporting portal officially closing at the end of March, our blog post answered common questions from cities on how to stay compliant with SLFRF.
3. Data Centers and Local Environmental Considerations
Data centers are physical sites that host the hardware, such as computer servers and telecommunications equipment, required for on-site or cloud data storage, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) computing.
Our blog post, which explores how the use of AI and data centers impacts local communities, covers key takeaways from a joint session of NLC’s Energy Environment and Natural Resources (EENR) and Information Technology and Communications (ITC) Federal Advocacy committees at the 2025 Congressional City Conference. During the session, elected officials shared several issues they consider when faced with data center development.
4. FEMA Act of 2025: What Local Leaders Need to Know
The Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025 (H.R. 4669) represents one of the most significant updates to federal disaster management law in decades. It reorganizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), modernizes disaster assistance programs and changes how aid is delivered to communities.
For cities, towns and villages, the Act introduces reforms that affect how quickly funding arrives, how rules are applied and how residents access support. Our blog post covered the FEMA essentials that local leaders need to know.
5. Make the Pledge to House Homeless Veterans
No veteran should be homeless in the country they swore an oath to defend. A guest post by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) detailed the Mayor’s Pledge, a national initiative encouraging mayors to engage landlords within their communities to offer their available rental units to veterans participating in the VA’s homeless programs.
6. Real Stories, Real Needs: What Comes Next for Shutdown-Affected Communities
In the midst of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, our blog post highlighted the response of several communities, including how they’ve kept essential services running and communicated openly with their residents.
7. Where Does the Opioid Crisis Stand Today in Local Communities?
Sixty-one percent of municipal leaders indicate the opioid crisis is one of the top issues — or the top issue — impacting their community. Our blog post highlighted the need for attention to the opioid crisis, particularly as many cities, towns and villages report having inadequate resources to respond.
8. Drones Above Your City — How Cities Engage with Federal Officials on Drones
Spotting a drone in the sky is becoming more normal in the U.S. Our blog post explored how local leaders can report unsafe drone flights, as well as understand the improvements needed in federal drone policy.
9. A Comprehensive Guide for Local Leaders on Managing PFAS Waste
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of concern because they are found in common household items such as non-stick cookware, certain garments and fabrics and personal care products. When exposed to these chemicals, studies indicate that they can harm human health in a myriad of ways, including delaying development for children, inhibiting fertility in women and a deterioration of immune functions.
Our blog post directed local leaders on steps to take for PFAS, from understanding the extent of exposure in their community to managing mitigation efforts.
10. Update on Elective Pay Tax Credits: What Cities Need to Know
The Elective Pay (also called Direct Pay) program — established under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) — is designed to provide clean energy tax credits directly to eligible entities, including local governments. This program is a game-changer for cities, towns and villages looking to advance clean energy projects without relying on traditional tax equity financing. Recent updates offer key insights for local governments seeking to capitalize on these incentives.
Our blog post explained how cities can apply for the Elective Pay Tax Credit, plus understand how local leaders can help protect elective pay.
See You in 2026!
As the year draws to a close, we are reflecting on an incredible 2025 while looking ahead to an even better 2026. Register Now for the 2026 Congressional City Conference (CCC), March 16-18 in Washington, DC and save the dates for 2026 City Summit in Nashville, Tennessee November 18-21.
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