Guide to Local Recovery Updates

The League of California Cities is actively involved in gathering, deciphering, and providing cities with the resources they need to access pandemic relief funds, understand eligible uses for those funds, and comply with reporting requirements. Visit the Guide to Local Recovery resource page to explore the resources available to cities.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: December 13
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for a greenhouse reduction grant program and launching a rural public health competition. The federal government is also accepting applications for a program that advances transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: November 15
The U.S. Department of Energy opened the voucher application portal for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant recipients who wish to use their funds for technical assistance and/or an equipment rebate. The program helps cities reduce energy use, lower fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency. Eligible entities may apply for a voucher or a grant, but not both. 

Guide to Local Recovery Update: November 1
Cities must “obligate” their State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds before the end of 2024. Those that don’t will need to return the funding to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Deadlines for key housing/infrastructure, water workforce development, and diesel engine replacement grant programs are also approaching. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: October 18
The federal government is accepting applications for a new electric vehicle charger clean-up program. Applications for several key workforce development, clean energy, and infrastructure grant programs, as well as two technical assistance programs, are due soon. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: September 27
The White House released an updated technical assistance guide for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. The guide includes over 150 programs and resources, including the Thriving Communities Program. The state and federal government also provided new information on how to use the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law logo on project funding signs. And the National League of Cities has a new tracker that shows which cities have received Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: September 13
A new round of infrastructure grant bootcamps is available for small and mid-sized cities. The bootcamps will focus on infrastructure grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Local governments also still have time to apply for key economic, clean energy, and wildfire defense grant programs. Read the full update. 

Guide to Local Recovery Update: August 23
New guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury expands the use of American Rescue Plan Act dollars for some cities. Local governments can also apply for a slew of federal transportation, community revitalization, economic development, energy, and wildfire defense grants. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy released a waiver for Build America, Buy America Act equipment purchasing requirements. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: August 16
A recent pilot project supported by the Blue Shield of California Foundation found that many community-based organizations had limited knowledge about community resiliency grants funded by ARPA dollars. In some cases, cities had grant criteria that were well beyond those established at the federal level. Join the programs’ leaders on Aug. 21 or Aug. 29 to learn more about the project’s key findings and ways to increase support for community-based organizations.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: August 9
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is accepting applications for a technical assistance program and an affordable housing program. Applications for key transportation and clean bus grant programs are due later this month. Federal agencies are also hosting a series of webinars on funding opportunities and resources. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: August 2
Applications for two key federal grant programs — one for infrastructure resilience and another for residential solar — are due later this month. The Local Infrastructure Hub and the National League of Cities both have new recovery resources for cities.  Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: July 12
Federal agencies released a slew of infrastructure grant opportunities, including streamlined grant programs that fund major regional transportation projects and help reverse past transportation inequities. Funding is also available for climate resilience projects, clean energy programs, and economic development. Additionally, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is collecting data on emergency communications that will guide future policies and programs. The National League of Cities is holding a webinar on proposed clean energy tax credit guidance. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: June 28
Applications for an energy block grant and a street safety program are due soon and the Internal Revenue Service is holding a June 29 webinar on proposed energy credit tax guidance. The National League of Cities and the Local Infrastructure Hub are also holding several recovery webinars. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: June 21
Federal agencies released proposed guidance on clean energy tax credits that could allow cities to build related projects more quickly and affordably. Also, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture released information on upcoming grant programs, including a combined grant application and two programs targeted at rural communities. The National League of Cities and Local Infrastructure Hub are both hosting infrastructure webinars. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: May 24
Deadlines for key electric vehicle charging, zero-emission school buses, and safe streets grant programs, as well as a series of technical assistance bootcamps are fast approaching. Also, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is holding a webinar on key broadband programs authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: May 10
A new round of infrastructure grant bootcamps is available for smaller cities. The bootcamps will focus on railroad crossing, drinking water, broadband, bridge, and equity grants in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Federal agencies also released a torrent of new grant opportunities for street safety, infrastructure resiliency, infrastructure equity, electric vehicles, rural broadband, energy efficiency, workforce development, and urban forestry. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: April 5
The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund reporting portal is open, and reports are due April 30. Many cities are eligible for two key climate grants, including a noncompetitive energy grant. Also, the National League of Cities has partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor for a new infrastructure workforce development initiative. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: March 29
March 31, 2023, is the final deadline for all participating jurisdictions to submit an allocation plan for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) HOME Investment Partnerships Program. If a participating jurisdiction fails to submit its allocation plan by the deadline, the full grant amount will be subject to automatic recapture by HUD without an opportunity for a hearing. More information can be found on HUD’s website.   

The HOME program is funded by the American Rescue Plan. The program provides $5 billion in grant funding for housing, rental assistance, supportive services, and non-congregate shelter for individuals or households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as other vulnerable populations. 

Guide to Local Recovery Update: March 22
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the opening of an electric vehicle charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure grant program and the Local Infrastructure Hub is hosting a series of infrastructure webinars. Also, the National League of Cities is seeking feedback on how to simplify the federal grant process. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: March 15
More cities could be eligible for a new greenhouse gas reduction grant and federal agencies are accepting applications for a technical assistance program and environmental justice grant program. The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research is also hosting a series of webinars to help local governments navigate the complex landscape of federal funding opportunities. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: March 1
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced anticipated funding dates for a slew of grant programs and the California Energy Commission released new tools to help stakeholders prepare for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. The Local Infrastructure Hub is also holding webinars on electric vehicles, energy conservation, and street safety. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: February 22
The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) help center has reopened and the federal government is providing relief for certain SLFRF grantees impacted by the Single Audit Act. The federal government also released new information about several upcoming grant opportunities, including a $27 billion clean energy initiative and a $5 million technical assistance program. The California Office of Grants and Local Services is accepting applications for the Recreational Trails Program. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: February 15
Over 200 cities in California are eligible for a noncompetitive energy block grant if they submit an application. The federal Climate Program Office is accepting applications for an applied research program that helps improve climate adaptation plans in vulnerable communities. Also, the National League of Cities is holding a webinar on equitable economic mobility. Read the full update. 

Guide to Local Recovery Update: February 8
Federal agencies are accepting applications for key environmental justice and surface transportation grant programs. Applications for a second round of Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program funding — $1.1 billion — are expected to open in April. The National League of Cities and the Local Infrastructure Hub released several new recovery resources as well. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: February 1
The Federal Transit Administration announced $1.7 billion in funding for clean fleets and the U.S. Department of Transportation is holding a webinar on upcoming grants and related tools. New recovery resources are also available from the Local Infrastructure Hub and the National League of Cities. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: January 25
Over 200 cities in California are eligible for a federal energy block grant and the deadline for a key transportation grant program is quickly approaching. Additionally, any remaining State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) must be "obligated” by Dec. 31, 2024. Cities that do not obligate the full amount of their SLFRF award by the deadline risk losing the opportunity to spend their allocated dollars and the money will be returned to the federal government. Read the full update. 

Guide to Local Recovery Update: January 18
In a major win for cities, federal lawmakers added new flexibility to how cities can spend American Rescue Plan Act dollars and gave the U.S. Department of the Treasury the authority needed to restore critical technical assistance programs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency extended deadlines for its recycling and solid waste grant applications and new recovery resources are available from the National League of Cities and the Local Infrastructure Hub. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: January 11
Applications for several infrastructure grant programs are due soon, including those that fund water recycling, surface transportation, and energy code updates. The U.S. Department of Transportation is holding webinars on programs that fund transportation projects in disadvantaged communities and workforce development. The National League of Cities also released several notable recovery resources for cities, including an overview of new tax credits available to local governments. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: January 4
The White House released an online resource to help local officials better understand how their communities can benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act. Passed in 2022, the law contains funding for programs that mitigate the effects of climate change and create more resilient communities. Also, the Local Infrastructure Hub is holding two recovery webinars for cities: one on electric vehicle charging and another on pandemic relief oversight. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: December 14
The registration deadline for the second round of federal infrastructure grant bootcamps has been extended until Dec. 16. The program helps small- and mid-sized cities develop more competitive grant applications. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy released information about a key energy grant program and the White House developed a guide to help local officials access workforce development grants. The National League of Cities also released two new recovery resources. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: November 30
Applications for a new set of infrastructure “bootcamps” by the National League of Cities and Local Infrastructure Hub are due Dec. 9. The program helps small and mid-sized cities develop competitive federal grant applications. Applications for a similar technical assistance program from the U.S. Department of Transportation are due Dec. 6. A range of other recovery guides and grants are also available, including those related to housing, energy efficiency, solid waste and recycling, broadband, environmental justice, and climate change. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: November 16
Policy experts and federal administrators are celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act with a slew of new recovery resources. The Local Infrastructure Hub is holding a webinar on workforce development opportunities and the Federal Communications Commission has launched a complimentary outreach program for its popular Affordable Connectivity Program. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and National League of Cities have also released new recovery resources and guidance. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: November 2
The U.S. Economic Development Administration and California Association for Local Economic Development released a playbook to help cities develop more sustainable, nimble economies. Additionally, deadlines for several brownfield grant programs and a technical assistance program are fast-approaching. NLC released multiple recovery resources, including an overview of six federal programs that can help cities advance major infrastructure, transportation, and environmental priorities. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: October 26
The National League of Cities and other local government associations are holding a deep dive into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed PFAS rule. The change would designate two types of PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, better known as “Superfund.”

PFAS are dangerous, “forever chemicals” that do not decay, are highly mobile, and can be found in everyday objects. This designation could impact cities and other local entities, particularly around the reporting and cleanup of these substances. Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted through Nov. 7.

Additionally, the Local Infrastructure Hub is holding a webinar on cybersecurity funding. Scheduled for Oct. 31, the webinar will provide an overview of federal funding opportunities, how to optimize funding, and best cybersecurity practices. 

Guide to Local Recovery Update: October 19
The U.S. Department of Treasury has scaled down its contact center for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds recipients. City officials can sign a letter urging their representatives to reauthorize the program in the next funding bill. Additionally, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the COVID-19 state of emergency will end in February. Also, several new recovery resources are available for cities, including one related to digital equity. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: September 21
Applications are now open for two federal grant programs — one for rural broadband infrastructure and one for transportation technology. The National League of Cities (NLC) released several recovery resources for cities, including a Uniform Guidance checklist and public safety workforce study. NLC will also host a Sept. 29 webinar on electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a first-of-its-kind cybersecurity grant program. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: September 14
The federal grant portal, Grants.gov, will be unavailable the last week of September due to planned maintenance. The downtime will not affect application progress. However, several key grant programs — including those funded by the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act — are due during or around this time. Additionally, the National League of Cities and the Local Infrastructure Hub recently released resources to help cities develop competitive federal grant applications. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: August 30
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will hold a Sept. 15 briefing about seven upcoming funding opportunities. The combined, $1.467 billion in funding will help build coastal resilience, particularly in the communities most vulnerable to climate impacts. Collectively, funding can be used to build high-impact natural infrastructure projects that increase coastal resilience, create jobs, store carbon, and restore natural habitats.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: August 24
The National League of Cities is hosting a series of technical assistance “boot camps” to help small and mid-sized cities take full advantage of the grants available through the federal infrastructure package. Additionally, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is holding a series of “office hour” webinars for a key broadband program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently released new guidance on lead service line inventory. The Affordable Connectivity Program is also still open to qualified households. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: August 17
The Local Infrastructure Hub, a partnership between the National League of Cities (NLC) and other civic organizations, is launching a series of technical assistance “boot camps” for small and mid-sized cities. The comprehensive program will help cities develop competitive grant applications for the bipartisan Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act. Registration is extremely limited. The U.S. Department of Transportation and NLC have also released new recovery resources. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: August 3
The federal government opened a critical railroad safety improvement grant program early. Additionally, the Local Infrastructure Hub, a partnership between the National League of Cities and Bloomberg Philanthropies, is holding a webinar about the federal Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program. The National League of Cities also released new data about how cities are using American Rescue Plan Act funds, including in the arts. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: July 27
The U.S. Department of the Treasury updated its American Rescue Plan Act reporting guidance to give cities more flexibility when reporting on revenue loss spending. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released information about a wildfire defense program and the U.S. Department of Transportation opened a grant program to help reconnect displaced communities. Both programs were funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: July 6
The U.S. Department of Transportation is launching two technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives to help cities navigate the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The department is also holding a July 8 webinar on the Bridge Discretionary Grant Program, which seeks to replace, rehabilitate, protect, and preserve bridges in poor condition. Additionally, the National League of Cities is hosting two webinars, one on the federal government’s “Buy America” policy and another on infrastructure need trends. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: June 28
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is holding a webinar on federal water infrastructure grants and the California Public Utilities Commission is looking for ways to improve its broadband grant programs. Additionally, the National League of Cities is holding a webinar on effective COVID-19 responses and has released new infrastructure resources for rural cities. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: June 15
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that it has phased out DUNS numbers — the main type of identification cities used to receive their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Non-entitlement cities must switch to a new type of identification as soon as possible to receive their second tranche of funding, which is expected shortly for cities of all sizes. Additionally, the League of California Cities will hold a June 21 roundtable discussion about ARPA planning and reporting requirements. New information about several federal grants, including a June 16 ARPA reporting webinar, is also available. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: June 1
The Federal Transit Administration has released a notice of funding for a transit-oriented development grant program, a type of urban planning that clusters jobs, housing, services, and amenities within walking distance of public transportation. Additionally, the National League of Cities has added new resources to help cities better understand two other programs funded by the federal infrastructure law, one for broadband infrastructure and another for energy conservation.  Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: May 25
The White House has released recordings of its “Infrastructure School” webinar series, which aired earlier this year. The series was designed to help state, local, and tribal governments use the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund much-needed infrastructure projects in their communities. Additionally, the National League of Cities has added new resources to help cities better understand parts of the federal infrastructure law. The two articles dive into the two new programs funded by the spending package and provide several additional resources. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: May 18
A group of nonprofits and government associations have launched a first-of-its-kind infrastructure assistance hub to help cities take advantage of the hundreds of grant programs funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Additionally, several federal agencies and national nonprofits, including the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National League of Cities, the Volcker Alliance, and the Penn Institute have released new resources and information about the federal infrastructure law. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: May 4
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has published a list of answers to frequently asked questions about the use of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, which were authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act. Additionally, several national organizations will lead webinars about broadband access and related federal funding opportunities. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: April 27
The deadline for non-entitlement cities to submit their State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds reports is April 30. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the National League of Cities have released several resources to help cities navigate the reporting process — including possible solutions to common reporting portal problems. Additionally, multiple state and federal organizations have released new resources about upcoming infrastructure grants and projects. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: April 20
The White House has released new resources to help rural cities understand and navigate the federal infrastructure law, including a 17-page playbook about rural-specific programs. Additionally, multiple federal agencies, including the Department of the Treasury, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Transportation, and National Telecommunications and Information Administration, have released recovery resources and webinars for cities of all sizes. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: April 6
Support is needed for a federal bill that protects and expands the use of American Rescue Plan Act dollars; the U.S. Department of the Treasury has released an updated reporting guide for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program; federal agencies have provided new resources for infrastructure programs; the National League of Cities has released new resources for the federal infrastructure law; and the White House has launched one-stop-shop for COVID-19 vaccines, tests, treatments, and masks. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: March 23
The federal government has released new recovery resources for cities, including a common application for three infrastructure grants, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) reporting guidance for smaller cities, multiple related webinars, and a cybersecurity factsheet. The National League of Cities released several recovery resources as well, including two webinars. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: March 9
Leaders from all levels of government around the country are celebrating the one-year anniversary of the American Rescue Plan Act. New resources are now available to help cities tell their American Rescue Plan Act funding stories; the White House is hosting more infrastructure funding webinars; the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is launching a webinar series on new broadband grant opportunities; the California Department of Community Services and Development released updates on the Low-Income Household Water Assistance program. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: March 2
The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued new guidance for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds recipients and the White House is hosting the rest of its “Infrastructure School” webinars later this month. At the state level, Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted several pandemic-related executive orders. Read the full update. 

Guide to Local Recovery Update: February 23
The White House is hosting two webinars on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act this month, one on public transportation and another on railroads. Scheduled for Feb. 24 and Feb. 28 respectively, the webinars are part of the White House’s “Infrastructure School” series, a set of city-focused webinars that builds on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law guidebook.

Relatedly, the National League of Cities (NLC) has released several videos that quickly sum up different funding areas found in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. NLC is also hosting a webinar on Feb. 24 on how best to use community data when using American Rescue Plan dollars and other federal grants.

Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled the next phase of California’s COVID-19 response. Dubbed the SMARTER Plan — shots, masks, awareness, readiness, testing, education, and Rx treatments — the plan includes preventive measures, like stockpiling masks and tests, as well as reactive measures, like the ability to add 3,000 new healthcare workers if there is another surge. State officials emphasized that readiness, awareness, and flexibility are key to future COVID-19 responses. 

Guide to Local Recovery Update: February 9
The National League of Cities has launched an American Rescue Plan Act investment tracker. The online resource offers a detailed look at how large cities and counties are deploying ARPA dollars. The tracker highlights innovative, evidence-based, well-targeted uses of ARPA funds and will be updated as more data becomes available. 

The State Water Resources Control Board is offering financial relief to wastewater agencies for unpaid customer debt accrued between March 4, 2020 and June 15, 2021. The program will likely cover 100% of the debt that wastewater agencies request in their applications. However, the water board may prioritize the timing of payments to wastewater treatment providers that serve disadvantaged communities. 

Similarly, the California Department of Community Services and Development will hold two informational webinars 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. In order for a customer to apply, the water or wastewater system must enroll in the Direct Payment program. 

Additionally, the Governor has signed new COVID-19 sick leave legislation into law. The policy applies retroactively to Jan. 1, 2022, and would sunset on Sept. 30, 2022. The agreement requires employers — including public agencies — with at least 26 workers to provide up to 80 hours of supplemental sick leave to recover from COVID-19. This bill does not include direct funding to employers to offset sick leave costs or costs for testing. However, there are several possible funding avenues to help agencies offset the costs.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: February 2
The federal government has released a guidebook to help cities take full advantage of the funding opportunities made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The book includes a funding roadmap, program details, contact information, and more. The guidebook is a living document and will be updated at Build.gov as more information becomes available. Additionally, the White House is holding a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law implementation webinar on Friday, Feb. 4 at 6:00 a.m.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity discretionary grant program. The program helps communities carry out projects with significant local or regional impacts. Recent examples of funded projects can be found in an online fact sheet. At least $15 million will go towards projects located in historically or persistently disadvantaged communities. Additionally, the number of communities eligible for a 100% federal share of funding, including those in rural areas, has been expanded.  

Guide to Local Recovery Update: January 26
The League of California Cities released an updated version of its American Rescue Plan Act revenue loss calculators to reflect the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Final Rule and added information about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act resources to the Guide to Local Recovery portal. The National League of Cities also has two webinars to help cities’ pandemic recovery efforts, including one on American Rescue Plan Act compliance. Additionally, state leaders have reached an agreement on new COVID-19 sick leave legislation. Read the full update.

Additionally, $1 billion in mortgage relief funding is available to California homeowners who have fallen behind on their housing payments due to the pandemic. Qualified homeowners will not have to pay back any funds that are awarded. The program was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeowners Assistance Fund and is part of the state’s Housing is Key initiative. 

The National League of Cities (NLC) is holding a grant writing and reporting webinar on Jan. 24, at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT. NLC Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Jenn Steinfeld will be joined by several city leaders to share tips, tricks, and insight gleaned from more than two decades of grant writing experience in the nonprofit, local government, and higher education sectors.  

Almost $20 billion in federal funding was allocated to non-entitlement cities — local governments across the country who typically serve a population under 50,000 — through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The expenditure of these funds is governed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which recently announced the opening of a non-entitlement reporting portal and the availability of related resources. Additionally, several APRA resources are available for cities of all sizes.  Read the full update.

The Internal Revenue Service has issued new guidance about the taxable status of payments to employers and employees made from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, which was established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Additionally, the National League of Cities (NLC) has released a new ARPA-related resource for city leaders, which centralizes all the information and recommendations that NLC has released on the Recovery Funds grants over the last several months.  Read the full update.

On Monday, President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes billions in new federal investments in the nation’s infrastructure. Additionally, reservations for the 2021 Main Street Small Business Tax Credit II, which provides COVID-19 financial relief for small businesses, are currently available. Finally, the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force has launched a public awareness campaign that details how California families celebrate safely this winter. State health officials are asking cities to help boost the campaign. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: November 3

The White House has released a new framework for the Build Back Better Act, which contains significant funding for workforce development, climate resiliency, and housing affordability, and is politically tied to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Officials are encouraged to contact their representatives to urge them to vote yes on both bills. Additionally, the National League of Cities is hosting two American Rescue Plan Act webinars. Read the full update.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently announced seven new policies to accelerate the spending of Emergency Rental Assistance funds. Additionally, the National League of Cities is hosting two webinars in the coming week — one on municipal employee vaccine mandates and another on using American Rescue Plan Act funds to address long-standing water infrastructure needs. Read the full update.

This week in Guide to Local Recovery: The U.S. Senate passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a significant step forward on $550 billion in new federal infrastructure investments; the League of California Cities submitted a support letter for Senator Alex Padilla’s Amendment #2584. New resources are available for cities as well, including new information about the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds recipient reporting portal.  Read the full update.

Cal Cities, along with 400 other city officials and organizations, signed a letter about the need for federal infrastructure funding. Written by the National League of Cities (NLC), the letter urged Congressional leadership to pass a comprehensive infrastructure package and outlined the top priorities of local governments. City officials are encouraged to sign a similar letter to their congressional delegation. Cal Cities also released an updated version of its American Rescue Plan Act revenue loss calculators, which includes minor changes based on member feedback. Additional resources, such as NLC’s list of FAQs from city officials about the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, are available as well. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: July 21

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released several resources on its Compliance and Reporting Guidance for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) recipients. Additionally, several recovery-related webinars are available later this month, including a Government Service Administration Procurement training. Lastly, the deadline to submit comments and recommendations to the Treasury Department on the Interim Final Rule is on July 16. Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery update: July 7

Guide to Local Recovery update: June 16
Cal Cities, along with a team of city finance professionals and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO), created a revenue loss calculation tool to help cities determine their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation spends. The tool incorporates the latest Treasury Department’s Guidance and its applicability to local government finance in California as understood by our team of finance professionals. Two versions of the calculator have been prepared to support cities’ choice to use fund basis (modified accrual) or government-wide (full accrual) financial records. 

• Revenue Loss Calculator (Government-wide – Full Accrual)
• Revenue Loss Calculator (Fund Basis – Modified Accrual)

The calculator will be updated and improve as Treasury Department guidance evolves. Cities will be able to calculate revenue at multiple points throughout the program.  Read the full update.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: June 11
Gov. Gavin Newsom took executive action on June 11 to terminate the state’s stay-at-home order and tiered Blueprint for Safer Economy. Measures that were included in the blueprint to protect public health, such as physical distancing, capacity limits, and the county tier system, terminate on June 15. The Governor also issued an executive order to begin the “winding down” of the 58 executive orders that have been implemented since the beginning of the pandemic. The provisions will sunset in phases, beginning later this month through September.

Guide to Local Recovery Update: June 9
The California Department of Finance (DOF) unveiled its American Rescue Plan Local Fiscal Recovery Fund  webpage for non-entitlement cities and discussed the upcoming funding portal with city officials during a League of California Cities webinar earlier today. The program covered the state’s responsibilities, eligible usages, the application and distribution process, reporting requirements, and the portal itself. The webinar included a robust Q & A and is available for review, along with the presentation slides. Read the full update.