Guide to Local Recovery Update: March 9

The White House and partners across the country are celebrating the one-year anniversary of the American Rescue Plan Act. In a March Cal Cities Advocate article, the League of California Cities highlighted the different ways cities are utilizing this historic investment. Similarly, the White House has released a toolkit to help local leaders tell their own stories.

There are several new infrastructure resources available as well. The White House is hosting five more Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act webinars and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is launching a series of webinars focused on new broadband grants. At the state level, the California Department of Community Services and Development has released more information on the federally-funded Low-Income Household Water Assistance program.

American Rescue Plan Act storytelling resources

The White House and partners across the country are celebrating the one-year anniversary of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). As we mark this occasion, it is important for cities to amplify how critical this historic relief has been in their recovery. The League of California Cities has been compiling and sharing stories of ARPA-funded projects. In a recent article, Cal Cities highlighted how California cities are using those dollars to fund transformative projects and expand or protect critical public services.  

To help cities share their own stories, the White House has released a toolkit that includes links to op-eds and press events from local leaders, an event planning checklist, sample social media posts, and suggested talking points. In addition to the toolkit, the White House released a summary of the American Rescue Plan Act, which includes an overview of its main components.

New infrastructure webinars announced

The White House is hosting five additional “Infrastructure School” webinars this month. Unlike the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes competitive and noncompetitive funding, making these webinars, along with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law guidebook, a critical resource for city leaders. A list of upcoming webinars, along with registration links, is below.

• Clean Energy and Power: Thursday, March 10 at 1:00 p.m.
• Water: Tuesday, March 15 at 1:00 p.m.
• Resilience: Thursday, March 17 at 1:00 p.m.
• Environmental Remediation: Tuesday, March 22 at 1:00 p.m.
• Broadband: Thursday, March 24 at 1:00 p.m.

Broadband technical assistance webinars

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is hosting several webinars in connection with the six new broadband grant programs authorized and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The series will cover the agency’s various broadband programs and help applicants to prepare high-quality grant applications. The March 23 webinar will focus on engagement and partnerships.

One-time, low-income water assistance program rolls out in May

The California Department of Community Services and Development has released the recording of a recent informational webinar on the federally-funded Low-Income Household Water Assistance program. Under the program, qualified, low-income households can apply to their local service provider to receive a one-time credit of up to $2,000 on their water or wastewater bill. For a customer to apply, their water or wastewater system must enroll in the Direct Payment program.

The program is scheduled to open in May 2022, but those interested can begin the enrollment process via an online interest form today. For questions, email support@ca-lihwap.com.

Study shows how cities are investing in afterschool programs 

Pandemic-related school closures highlighted the essential role afterschool programs play in communities. The National League of Cities National Municipal Afterschool and Summer Learning survey captured the evolution of these programs in municipalities across the country over the course of the pandemic. 

The survey found that local leaders overwhelmingly believe that afterschool programs play an important role in pandemic recovery, and cities across the country are increasing their investments in afterschool and summer learning programs. The report contains eight key findings and ten possible action steps for local leaders.