Historic Year in Federal Advocacy for Municipalities

Source: National League of Cities

This Year in Federal Advocacy: Significant Wins for Communities in the Midst of Crisis

2021 was a historic year. As cities, towns, and villages across the country continued to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress listened to local leaders and provided critical investments to support economic recovery and rebuild our nation’s infrastructure.

NLC was there every step of the way to help you advocate for and navigate this legislation. As we head into 2022, know that our team will continue to be your go-to partner in accessing and maximizing these opportunities.

Read on for some of most useful resources and highlights from this year!

COVID-19: Local Action Tracker

Infrastructure Bill to Benefit Cities, Towns and Villages

Fulfilling the Promise of America’s Cities, Towns and Villages

Response and Recovery

Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Playbook
This new playbook is designed to educate local leaders on the value of the historic ARPA SLFRF program, help local leaders access critical implementation resources from the Treasury and NLC, and generate the biggest impact for their communities.
Learn More >

ARPA Local Relief Frequently Asked Questions
NLC has identified your frequently asked questions about Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund grants.
Learn More >

State of the Pandemic: Using Data to Combat COVID-19
With another variant of concern knocking at our doors, many are concerned that COVID-19 cases will climb in the weeks and months to come, even with 70.9 percent of the U.S. adult population fully vaccinated. What does the data tell us and what should city leaders do going forward?
Learn More >

Fact Sheets on Clean Water and Drinking Water SRFs
NLC fact sheets on the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds explain eligibility guidelines for wastewater, drinking water and stormwater projects under both ARPA and the bipartisan infrastructure bill.
Clean Water Fact Sheet >
Drinking Water Fact Sheet >

Rebuild

Infrastructure Bill Insights
The Infrastructure Bill Insights tool below provides a searchable list of programs of interest included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law so that you can search and find what you need as a community more easily.
Learn More >

How Hard-to-Fill Infrastructure Jobs Impact Building Our Future
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provide funding streams that target expansion, maintenance and remediation of a wide range of infrastructure systems and assets. This will spur an unprecedented number of new infrastructure jobs. Is our workforce aligned, willing and ready to take on these new jobs?
Learn More >

The Build Back Better Act: What You May Have Missed
Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act (BBBA), which includes key priority areas for local governments, including programs to support workforce development, increase housing affordability and improve climate resilience. NLC continues to advocate for key programs that, alongside the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide investments, opportunities and economic growth critical to sustained recovery.
Learn More >

Notice of Funding Opportunities

Department of Agriculture – Community Forest Program.
Closing Date: 1/10/2022.
Apply Here >

Department of Commerce – American Rescue Plan Act Good Jobs Challenge.
Closing Date: 1/26/2022.
Apply Here >

Federal Emergency Management Agency – Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities.
Closing Date: 1/28/2022.
Apply Here >

Department of Agriculture – Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Program.
Closing Date: 2/22/2022.
Apply Here >

Environmental Protection Agency – Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring for Communities.
Closing Date: 2/25/2022.
Apply Here >

Department of Agriculture – Rural Development Business Grants.
Closing Date: 2/28/2022.
Apply Here >

Economic Development Administration – American Rescue Plan Act Economic Adjustment Assistance.
Closing Date: 3/31/2022.
Apply Here >