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. In addition to ARPA implementation, NLC is strongly advocating for a comprehensive infrastructure package to help America’s cities, towns and villages rebuild. We will continue to share critical legislative updates and actions that local leaders should take to strengthen our communities.

Here is how you can take action:

NLC Rapid Response Advocacy: ARPA Clawback Threat and Infrastructure Push
How Non-Entitlement Units of Local Government Access Recovery Funds
National Municipal Policy Amendment and Resolution Submission Deadline – June 25

Response and Recovery

Help is Here For You!
On May 25, the Treasury Department released additional Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund guidance for non-entitlement units of local government (NEU). 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.

Lost Revenue: What Municipalities Need to Know
Cities, towns and villages can use Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds on lost revenue under ARPA. Learn how to determine and calculate lost revenue as defined by the Interim Final Rule (IFR). Learn More >

Using American Rescue Plan Act Funds for Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Infrastructure Projects
In addition to eligible uses directly related to local government’s COVID-19 response, ARPA allows funds to be used for necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. Notably, the Interim Final Rule provides local governments with wide latitude to identify investments in water and sewer infrastructure that are of the highest priority for their own communities. Learn More >

ARPA Local Recovery Funds: What’s in it for Connectivity and Technology?
Projects communities are interested in completing to address the digital divide – from new infrastructure to efforts to help residents afford broadband service at home – may be eligible for support from a variety of new federal programs. Communities should review the rules for the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, but also consider the other resources that may be available to residents or community institutions. Learn More >

Supporting Education Success through the American Rescue Plan Act
The passage earlier this year of the American Rescue Plan Act may prove to be a turning point for America’s cities. In addition to the $65.1 billion set aside for municipalities, there are significant federal investments in K-12 and Postsecondary education that, while not administered by cities, will still ultimately flow to local communities. Learn More >

Rebuild

Funding Opportunity for Outdoor Recreation
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that the National Park Service will distribute $150 million to local communities through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant program. The program enables urban communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces and reinvigorate existing parks in economically underserved areas. Funding applications are being accepted in Grants.gov through September 24. Watch Recording >

Federal Budget FY 22
President Biden has released an overview of his proposed federal budget for FY22. Learn more about the state of play for cities. Learn More >

Cities Must Speak Up on Their Priorities for Transportation
Cities know that it’s time to fix the transportation problems in their communities, and Congress is picking up the pen this summer on a bill that could help us. Last week, the Senate Environment and Public Work Committee kicked off the first transportation play of the new Congress with the introduction of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 and NLC’s initial review of the bill shows some key gains for cities. Learn More >

Preparing your City Workforce for COVID-19 Vaccines
Despite enormous progress in COVID-19 vaccination efforts, serious challenges remain, including inequitable access, misinformation, and the emergence of new strains of the virus. Local leaders have played a key role in communicating information about the virus and vaccine to their residents. As major employers in their communities, municipalities must also provide support and guidance about the vaccine to their workforce. Learn More >

Burlingame is Ready to Fix Congestion
Infrastructure Project Spotlight: Separating the rail and road congestion pain point in Burlingame, CA, for safety and more commuter trains. Learn More >