Guide to Local Recovery Update: Nov. 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.

Historic federal infrastructure package delivers $16.3 billion to California to-date

To date, the federal government has announced $185 billion in Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act funding, including $16.3 billion for California. Notably, the spending package has already connected 1.75 million California households with affordable, high-speed internet — a longstanding Cal Cities priority.

According to Gov. Gavin Newsom, the federal infrastructure package, together with a $47 billion infrastructure commitment from the state, has created over 17,000 new jobs. More information about the impact of the federal infrastructure package on California, including notable projects, is available online.  

Local Infrastructure Hub highlights workforce development grant opportunities for cities

The Local Infrastructure Hub — a national partnership between the National League of Cities (NLC) and other organizations — will hold a Nov. 29 webinar on how cities can tap into the federal infrastructure law for workforce development programs. During this session, experts and mayors from across the country will share critical insights on successful workforce programs, best practices, and partnerships that can drive effective workforce strategies at the local level.

A 2022 NLC report found that American cities will face a shortage of qualified workers for good jobs and that many of today’s economic practices are unsustainable. That same report found that the future of work will be defined by city leaders.

FCC unveils new grant to boost participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a complimentary outreach program for its Affordable Connectivity Program. The popular program provides low-income households with ongoing discounts on home internet and a one-time discount for connected devices.

Although many cities have used the program to increase access to broadband internet, only 27% of the state’s qualified households are enrolled. In response, the FCC’s Outreach Grant Program provides a range of organizations, including local governments, with the funding and resources needed to increase awareness of, and participation in, the Affordable Connectivity Program. The deadline to apply is Jan. 9, 2023. Funds will be awarded on or before March 10.

NLC to hold webinars on procurement resources and ARPA housing funding

The National League of Cities (NLC) will hold two recovery webinars in early December. The Dec. 5 webinar will review procurement regulations and ethical standards, different types of procurement methods, and how city leaders can support procurement efforts. Speakers will also review available tools and resources, including free courses, research publications, cooperative contracts, and more.

The Dec. 8 webinar will focus on how cities can use their State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for investments in affordable housing production, preservation, and housing stability. The webinar will cover recent updates to the program’s guidance and will be followed by a brief Q&A.

Hazard mitigation sub-applications due Dec. 2

Sub-applications for the annual Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program are due Dec. 2. The program — which helps local governments address future risks to natural disasters — received $1 billion in extra funding through the federal infrastructure package.

The increased funding allowed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to increase its direct technical assistance program. Additionally, FEMA no longer requires economically disadvantaged and/or rural communities to submit a cost-benefit analysis when they apply for BRIC funding. This was one of the most common barriers to a successful application.

The sub-application is open to cities that submitted an approved notice of interest to Cal OES.

EPA releases guidance for FY22 Water Infrastructure Community Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released implementation guidance for communities that received Congressionally directed funding for water infrastructure projects through fiscal year 2022 appropriations. The guidance outlines the requirements recipients must meet to receive Water Infrastructure Community Grants funding and how to apply online through grants.gov. These projects provide a valuable source of federal funding for water infrastructure that can complement the resources provided in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

City officials looking for additional information about the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or additional recovery tools can visit the Cal Cities Guide to Local Recovery portal.