NLC’s Federal Advocacy Newsletter

Resources for COVID-19 Response and Economic Recovery

Federal agencies continue to release guidance and funding for programs under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to help communities respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The National League of Cities (NLC) is here to answer questions and support your responsible stewardship of these critical funding opportunities with tools and guidance. We encourage you to visit our FAQ page regularly for the latest updates and to submit additional questions. Reader’s note: After this week, this newsletter will move back to the original bi-weekly schedule and the next edition will be published on June 1, 2021.

Here is how you can take action:

Federal Advocacy Update Call: Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Guidance
Rebuilding For Everyone: Local Leaders Focus On Equitable Infrastructure
Keeping Renters Housed: Ensuring Equitable Emergency Rental Assistance Programs During the Pandemic

Response and Recovery

Help is Here For You!
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was enacted to help stabilize households, businesses and government operations. On May 10th, the Treasury Department released additional receiving, reporting and allowable use guidance related to the Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund.

If you have general questions about the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, please email the U.S. Department of Treasury at SLFRP@treasury.gov or call 844-529-9527. 

U.S. Treasury Guidance on Using Coronavirus State and Local recovery Funds
Last week, the Treasury Department released guidance on how local governments can use the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The guidance seeks to provide substantial flexibility for local governments to meet local needs—including support for households, small businesses, impacted industries, essential workers, and the communities hardest hit by the crisis. Learn More >

American Rescue Plan Act – Guidance, Funding and Updates as of May 11
Federal agencies continue to release guidance and funding for programs under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) to help communities respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Here is a roundup of key recent updates on programs important to cities, towns and villages by agency.
Learn More >

Leveraging American Rescue Plan Act Funds to Improve Mental Health Wellbeing
Over the past year, the number of people experiencing mental health challenges, along with the number of drug overdose deaths have grown significantly, illustrating further implications from the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Through the American Rescue Plan Act, more than $3 billion in new federal investments will be available to address these increases in mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
Learn More >

Rebuild

Cities Can’t Wait for Federal Broadband Investment
This past year of increased remote work, school, healthcare, and civic life has made it clear beyond any doubt that broadband connectivity is an absolute necessity for full participation in modern life. More from John H. Fogle, Chair of NLC’s Information Technology and Communications Committee and a Councilor from Loveland, Colorado.
Learn More >

Capping a Highway to (Re)Connect Historic Nashville Jefferson Street Neighborhoods
Decades ago, Interstate 40 harmed and displaced an entire community. Now, Nashville, Tennessee is ready to reconnect and rebuild. Learn more in one of our Infrastructure Week city stories.
Learn More >

Building a Better Highway with Buses in Boise
We must support a bipartisan infrastructure package that can meet the transportation and workforce needs of cities, towns and villages. As discussions in Washington progress on an infrastructure package, cities like Boise will see the greatest benefit if funds from the American Jobs Plan are directed to our nation’s communities.
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91% of Cities Say Insufficient Funding Delaying Critical Infrastructure Investments
NLC surveyed local governments about funding, developing and providing essential infrastructure services for their residents. As Congress and the Administration debate the new infrastructure package, our data identified that insufficient funding for infrastructure is the top priority.
Learn More >