Source: National League of Cities
As local leaders begin to put the urgently needed direct aid from the American Rescue Plan Act into action for our front-line workers, emergency responders, residents, households and small businesses, the National League of Cities (NLC) will be here to answer questions and support your responsible stewardship with tools and guidance. Check in with our biweekly newsletter for the latest on recovery priorities, relief funds, bill summaries, and more!
Here is how you can take action:
Ask Your Senators to Support Local Transportation Priorities TODAY!
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Response and Recovery
Everything You Need to Know About COVID Relief
The federal aid delivered to all 19,000 municipal governments in the American Rescue Plan Act is a FIRST for Washington, D.C. This money will go a long way towards protecting the health and safety of residents, helping municipal workers, renters and businesses get back on their feet. Learn more about the timeline and provisions of this funding, and what comes next for America’s communities. Read more.
UPDATED Estimated State and Local Allocation Outputs Released by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform
The House Oversight and Reform Committee staff has provided updated estimates on state and local allocation outputs as of 3/08/21. These estimates are not final and are subject to change. Please review the Committee’s notes related to the allocation and read their supplemental explainer, which offers an in-depth guide to interpreting the estimates.
Top Moments from the Virtual 2021 Congressional City Conference
Last week’s Congressional City Conference (CCC) was a huge success, and it culminated in a virtual Capitol Hill Day that saw 350 local elected leaders from 37 states meet with 92 Members of Congress and 222 congressional offices to thank federal leaders for their support of the historic American Rescue Plan, as well as discuss next steps for recovery and rebuilding our nation. Learn more.
Advancing Health Literacy to Enhance Equitable Community Responses to COVID-19
At NLC’s CCC, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a new funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH). The new initiative – Advancing Health Literacy to Enhance Equitable Community Responses to COVID-19 – is expected to allocate $250 million to fund approximately 30 projects in urban communities and 43 projects in rural communities for two years. Applications are due April 20, 2021. Apply now!
Complete the 2021 State of the Cities Survey
The passage of the historic American Rescue Plan means over $65 Billion will be delivered directly to cities, towns and villages. Now the real work begins. What are your local priorities for this funding? To gauge how conditions, from the economy and infrastructure to housing and education, have changed this past year, and how new funding will be used to address these challenges, NLC is conducting a short survey and we invite you to participate!
Rebuild
Community Project Funding: The New and Improved Earmarks
Earlier this month, House Appropriations Chair Rep. Rosa DeLauro announced that they will be accepting Members of Congress’ requests for Community Project Funding in appropriations bills for the upcoming 2022 fiscal year. This announcement is the first move in the 117th Congress to open up the reincarnated Congressional “earmark” funding process. Learn more about what this means for cities and towns and how to advocate for your community’s priorities.
New Federal Benefit for Digital Equity in Your Communities
On February 26, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the rules for a new Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), funded for six months after the COVID-19 emergency declaration expires. The EBB provides eligible low-income households with a monthly $50 discount for broadband service from participating providers, as well as a one-time $100 discount on an internet-enabled device. Cities will have a key role to play in the implementation of this emergency program. Learn more about this benefit and how to promote awareness within your communities.