Access and Maximize Infrastructure Funds
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Local governments are responsible for rebuilding, reimagining and maintaining America’s infrastructure networks along with the federal government and states. Municipalities can seek out federal infrastructure funds for transportation, water, broadband, energy and much more in different federal programs on a rolling basis.
Currently, there are four primary ways cities can access federal infrastructure funds from the federal government.
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) – Often referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, IIJA was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President in November 2021. IIJA is a five-year comprehensive federal investment in transportation, water, broadband, energy and much more and will invest $1.2 trillion into America’s infrastructure. The IIJA programs renewed existing federal programs cities are familiar with, as well as added $550 billion in new funding and programs like the Safe Streets and Roads for All program which hundreds of municipalities have accessed. IIJA programs ca both flow through states or by applications to federal agencies including:
- Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – The climate and clean energy provisions in the IRA complement the funding and investments in climate change and community resilience under the IIJA. The IRA provides $369 billion in tax credits and additional funding for zero-emissions vehicles and technologies, building efficiency and resilience, home energy efficiency and appliance electrification rebates, and reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions overall. For the first time, local governments are eligible to take advantage of clean energy tax credits through a direct payment option.
- Annual Congressional Appropriations – Congress annually prepares a budget with appropriations to fund specific federal programs. NLC tracks the appropriations process for cities in our Federal Budget Tracker. Recently, Congress also renewed the process for targeted Congressionally Directed Spending (also called earmarks) with added accountability measures. Find out more about the process here.
- American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds (SLFRF) – Communities have an opportunity to use their SLFRF grants from Congress for essential infrastructure including water and broadband demands but also for newly eligible infrastructure uses, including transportation and disaster response.
Learn How to Bring Home Infrastructure Funding
Learn how to improve infrastructure by joining the Local Infrastructure Hub, viewing upcoming webinars and meetings, and reading expert blogs and resources.
- NLC’s Rebuilding America interactive tool is tracking federal investment in thousands of local infrastructure projects. See how many communities like yours have accessed funds and learn what your area has received as your consider applying for funds.
- The White House created a dedicated build.gov website and guidebook to help state, local, tribal, and territorial leaders understand what funding is available in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Check out the open opportunities, rural playbook, and technical assistance guide.
- The Local Infrastructure Hub is an online program designed to connect cities and towns with free resources and expert advice to access federal infrastructure funding in order to drive local progress, improve communities, and deliver results for residents. Sign up for the next bootcamps here.
CitiesSpeak Infrastructure Blogs
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Take Our Survey
Does your city have a great project in the works you’re seeking federal funding for? NLC launched a survey to see how communities are planning to utilize the $1.2 trillion in funding available as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Share your story with us!
Infrastructure Events from NLC
Let NLC deliver for you!
The National League of Cities (NLC) is your partner in infrastructure, but we are stronger together so join us as we advocate for more infrastructure funding and tools to rebuild our communities.
NLC is a strategic partner for local leaders and municipal staff, serving as a resource and advocate for communities large and small. Learn how NLC can help deliver for your city.
How to Support the Mental Health of the Early Childhood Workforce
- Annika List
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Building Connections Between Neighbors and Neighborhoods with Mayor Yemi Mobolade
Advancing Housing Reform: Lessons from Chattanooga’s Voluntary Zoning Incentives Program
- CitiesSpeak Guest
Innovative Capacity Building with the Lincoln Vibrant Communities Teams Program
From the Event: Optimizing Municipal Healthcare Benefits for Workforce Recruitment & Retention
GoFundMe and Cities: Supporting Your Community in the Moments that Matter
- NLC Partnerships