NLC Federal Advocacy Newsletter – 2022 Reflections: Building on Federal Advocacy Success

Source: National League of Cities

As we look back on 2022, we reflect on a historic year for cities, towns and villages across the country. From a federal standpoint, this year saw the implementation of once-in-a-lifetime investments flowing directly to cities. Local leaders have proven to be valuable partners for investing federal funds where they are needed the most and key players in stabilizing our nation after crisis. Learn more about lessons learned in 2022 and how we can build on success.

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Join us at the 2023 Congressional City Conference 

Response and Recovery

Checklist: Using Federal Uniform Guidance for ARPA Funds
To help local leaders and local government staff understand regulation around using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, NLC created a general checklist for recipients to review. This includes guidelines to follow when pursuing a program, issuing a contract to a contractor, providing an award to a sub-recipient, and more.  Learn More >

Fact Sheet: Local Governments Using ARPA Local Recovery Funds to Combat Impacts of Inflation 
Read this fact sheet for an analysis on how ARPA local relief funds are helping local governments fight inflation in their communities. Learn More >

How Communities Are Using ARPA Funds to Improve Infrastructure 
Local leaders can learn how cities, towns and villages are investing in infrastructure through ARPA funds by using the ARPA Investment Tracker. Learn More >

How America’s Smallest Municipalities Are Spending Their SLFRF Funds  
For many of the smallest municipalities across the United States, being an ARPA funding recipient is their first experience managing a federal grant of this magnitude and with this level of flexibility. NLC reviewed ARPA plans from more than 30 of the smallest recipients to better understand how the smallest municipalities are prioritizing their Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) allocations. Learn More >

Rebuild

Inflation Reduction Act: Clean Energy Project Eligibility for Local Governments  
The Inflation Reduction Act includes a provision that provides non-taxable entities participating in clean energy incentives with a direct payment option in lieu of tax credits. Learn about two ways direct payment can be useful to cities, towns and villages.   Learn More >

Affordable Connectivity Program: What You Need to Know   
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) aims to close the digital divide by providing enrolled qualifying households with a $30 monthly discount on broadband service.  Learn More >

10 Ways to Make Your Local Match for Federal Projects  
Federal infrastructure projects are cost-shared with the local government that is granted the award. For any local government considering federal grants, make sure your community is ready to make your match. .  Learn More >

Maximize EECBG Funding in Your Community  
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) allocates $550 million for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) to support communities with renewable energy, sustainable transportation and energy efficiency projects. Draft formula allocations have been released.  Learn More >

Technical Assistance & Funding Opportunities

AmeriCorpsAmeriCorps State and National Grants.
Closing Date: 1/4/2023 
Apply Here >

Federal Communications CommissionAffordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program, Pilot Program Grants
Closing Date: 1/9/2023 
Apply Here >

Department of Housing and Urban Development Choice Neighborhoods Program.
Closing Date: 1/11/2023
Apply Here>

Department of Labor – Building Pathways to Infrastructure Job Grants Program.
Closing Date: 1/24/2023
Apply Here >

Federal Emergency Management Agency
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC).
State Closing Date: 1/27/2023 – Local sub-application dates are sooner .
Apply Here >

Department of LaborYouthBuild Program. 
Closing Date: 2/7/2023 
Apply Here >

Environmental Protection AgencyRecycling Education and Outreach Grants.
Closing Date: 2/15/2023 
Apply Here >

Environmental Protection Agency – Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants.
Closing Date: 2/15/2023 
Apply Here >

Department of Transportation
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE).
Closing Date: 2/28/2023 
Apply Here >

National Science Foundation Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) Program.
Closing Date: March 2, 2023 for Beginnings and Pivots tracks only. The second Thursday in September, annually thereafter, for all three tracks.
Apply Here >

Department of TransportationFederal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program.
Closing Date: 3/7/2023 
Apply Here >