This May, NLC has been highlighting the role that municipalities play in updating critical infrastructure in our communities. As we close out Infrastructure Week 2026, we’re recapping key updates on federal reauthorization discussions and advocacy efforts that will shape transportation and water priorities in cities nationwide.
Partnership Is Power
NLC was proud to participate in a coalition group with United for Infrastructure to celebrate Infrastructure Week 2026. We know that a stronger America depends on modern, reliable infrastructure, and achieving that goal requires collaboration across sectors. The National League of Cities was pleased to work alongside organizations including the Business Roundtable, TTD, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Society of Civil Engineers and National Association of Manufacturers, among others.
Federal transportation reauthorization took center stage at the kickoff event, where congressional and industry leaders discussed the programs and investments needed to support the nation’s transportation system over the next five years. NLC was honored to introduce House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) who had just released a bipartisan draft transportation bill — the Build America 250 Act — with Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and to reiterate much how cities, towns and villages support America’s infrastructure.
“The Build America 250 Act is the result of staff’s hard work and members’ dedication to their constituents and their advocacy. Throughout history, transportation has been a critical part of America moving forward,” said Representative Larsen, co-sponsor of the bill.
Representative Larsen’s meaningful and timely remarks on this major transportation legislation serve as an important reminder that collaboration between Congress and local leaders is necessary. When municipal bodies voice their collective needs to their federal delegations, the traction is difficult to ignore.
We know that cities, towns and villages are looking for a reliable federal partner to maintain and improve community assets. Over the last few years, federal investment in local infrastructure has been critical in making progress on long-ignored assets like streets, bridges and water systems. The reality is that local governments own and maintain a significant portion of the nation’s infrastructure, including vital systems like water, sewers, and streets — which are under growing strain.
Municipalities Are Taking Action
NLC’s 2026 Municipal Infrastructure Conditions report, just released in advance of Infrastructure Week, shows that cities and towns have been working diligently to improve critical infrastructure assets. As good stewards of resident dollars, cities are aligning their capital priorities with areas of greatest need. In our survey of municipal officials, NLC found that infrastructure like power utilities, parks and broadband remains largely stable compared with 2022. However, conditions for water and sewer systems and streets show notable declines, reflecting aging systems, rising costs and tougher regulatory requirements.
Water Reauthorization & Appropriations Are Critical
Legislation being developed now by three Congressional Committees — Senate Environment and Public Works, House Transportation and Infrastructure and House Energy and Commerce — will shape federal investments in water infrastructure and set the course for cities, towns and villages to build community resilience, address long-standing capital improvement needs and make progress meeting regulatory requirements. Municipalities are ready to do their part to fund projects, but a federal partner to reauthorize and fund the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and other water infrastructure programs is essential to a community’s ability to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable water services.
On Thursday, NLC hosted the “Water Investment & the Nation’s Economic Future Roundtable” at our offices, where local government leaders, utilities, business representatives and policy advocates congregated to discuss the urgent need for sustained federal investment and predictable financing in water infrastructure. The session focused on congressional strategy, funding priorities and collaborative advocacy efforts to strengthen the country’s water systems and support economic growth.
Municipal Priorities Reflect the Strain on Core Infrastructure Systems
Reported Capital Asset Conditions and Priorities
Figure Note: Ratings D+F, C and A+B are labeled as Not Satisfactory, Fair and Satisfactory respectively. High, Medium and Low represent priority levels.
Investing in Infrastructure Means Investing in Cybersecurity, Too
While cities, towns and villages are eager to invest in the infrastructure that makes communities flourish, without comparable investments in cybersecurity, that infrastructure is at risk. Allowing infrastructure grants to be used for securing the networks that operate water and transportation systems is vital. However, more federal partnership is needed to protect infrastructure systems from increasing cyberattacks. The House has already passed the PILLAR Act (H.R. 5078) to reauthorize the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program; now it is time for the Senate to act and preserve the only federal fund dedicated solely to local and state cybersecurity.
Local Voices Are Needed
With text now available for the next surface transportation legislation, local leader voices are more important than ever. As funds and programs through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act expire September 30, local governments still need a parter in their states and the federal government. NLC is encouraging local leaders to share the stories from their communities. The IIJA expanded opportunities for local leaders to secure direct federal funding for improvements to the locally owned portions of the nation’s transportation network. Building on that investment through reauthorization will help communities continue modernizing critical infrastructure.
About the Authors
Municipal Infrastructure Conditions Report 2026
Congress’ Next Transportation Bill BUILDs toward Local Priorities
- Brittney D. Kohler
What Congress Needs to Advance on Water Infrastructure for America’s Communities
- Carolyn Berndt
NLC Applauds Bipartisan Introduction of BUILD America 250 Act
What’s in the Farm Bill for Cities?
- Angelina Panettieri
- Carolyn Berndt
- Stephanie Martinez-Ruckman