News

Small businesses are playing a huge role in improving America’s infrastructure. Learn how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) can be mutually beneficial for cities and small businesses.

Discover how Syracuse is reconnecting communities and restoring opportunity with a landmark $180 million USDOT grant. This transformative I-81 project aims to improve equity, safety, and economic growth by replacing the divisive viaduct with a community grid, addressing systemic inequalities, and revitalizing neighborhoods. Learn how strategic partnerships and a data-driven approach helped secure funding to make this vision a reality.

The federal government’s updated Uniform Grants Guidance clarifies that $1.2 trillion in federal funds, including BIL and IRA grants, can cover community engagement, data infrastructure, and evaluation costs. These updates support inclusive project development and prioritize evidence-based practices, making cities more competitive for federal grants.

Ypsilanti’s push for federal funds to repair the Cross Street Bridge highlights the economic challenges small cities face and the critical need for specialized grant support.

Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) are key to implementing equitable economic development projects through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. They are formal contracts between community groups, government, and developers. CBAs make sure that developers invest in communities in ways that promote quality jobs and economic mobility as they restructure cities.

While many federal grant programs have matching funds requirements, communities have some flexibility in how they meet them.