‘Catastrophic Financially.’ What It Means for Cities If the Debt Ceiling Isn’t Raised
A default on the federal level could discourage investors from providing the money cities need to function, build affordable housing, fix roads and make other improvements.
HUD Offers Cities Help to Add Housing Near Transportation Options
As part of the Thriving Communities effort, the federal agency will supply technical assistance to revive economically distressed areas.
Some Towns Get Funding Boost from Census Corrections
Census population count corrections have started to roll out, but officials say the bureau needs to be more transparent about the process as valuable funding opportunities remain on the line.
Are Mayors Open to Federal Budget Cuts? It Depends Who You Ask
Route Fifty caught up with mayors from around the country to get their views on Republican threats to chop federal spending.
Tips for Winning Federal Transportation Grants
A Biden administration official had some advice for city leaders seeking funding for projects under the latest federal infrastructure law.
What the Mayors Discussed When They Met With Biden
Immigration and how cities are spending federal funding were among the topics that came up during the White House meeting.
Mayors Fret Over Possibility of ARPA Clawbacks
Detroit’s mayor urged others to speed up putting American Rescue Plan Act funds to use and to take special care that spending adheres to federal rules. He's not the only one raising concerns.
What the $1.7 Trillion Spending Bill Includes for States and Localities
Congressional lawmakers fought back attempts by conservatives to delay the legislation until next year, approving billions for infrastructure, new regional technology hubs, homelessness programs and other state and local government priorities.
$45M for New Trails Grants Included in Federal Funding Deal
Cycling and pedestrian advocates had pressed for more, but say the money included in the legislation would be a good start.
Nearly 30 Years After the ADA, Transit Agencies Awarded Federal Money to Make Stations More Accessible
New York, which has by far the most stations that are not easily accessible to people with disabilities, was awarded the most grant money.
Should the Deadline to Spend ARPA Dollars be Extended?
Some local officials involved in managing American Rescue Plan Act aid describe a 2026 cut-off to use up all of the money as uncomfortably close.
‘Right Leader for This Time’: League of Cities Gets a New President
Mayor Victoria Woodards of Tacoma, Washington, who stepped into the National League of Cities’ leadership role earlier this month, spoke to Route Fifty about her priorities for the group.
The Infrastructure Law, One Year In
Local officials are still expressing appreciation for all the extra federal funding. But some, along with Republican lawmakers, are seeking tweaks on permitting and in other areas to make accessing and spending the money easier.
In a Rural Corner of the West, a Local Level Push to Revive Passenger Rail
Cuts in the late 1970s ended Amtrak service across southern Montana. Now, a county-led coalition wants to bring it back.
Cities and States Bristle Over Proposal to Change How They Report on Finances
Congress is weighing a plan that calls for overhauling how state and local government financial data is made public, stirring worries about new costs for software and staff. But supporters of the revamp say it’s long overdue.
Treasury Shuts Down Helpline for States and Localities
Due to a funding crunch left unaddressed by Congress, the department is phasing out phone and email services to field questions about billions in pandemic aid.
$1B Cybersecurity Grant Program Still Coming Into Focus
The new federal initiative is in its early stages, with questions about how the money will be spent and how much control localities, versus states, will have over it.
Republicans are Gearing Up for ‘Aggressive’ ARPA Oversight if They Take Back the House
Lawmakers tell Route Fifty that “clawing back” unspent or misspent American Rescue Plan Act funds from states and localities is a possibility.
Biden Calls on Governors to Pardon Marijuana Possession Offenses
He did so after issuing a blanket pardon for all federal convictions for simple possession of the drug.
New Help Available for Underserved Places Applying for Federal Grants
The Thriving Communities Program aims to offer assistance to localities that might struggle to compete for funding in areas like housing and transportation.
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