The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offer states, territories, Tribes, and local governments a unique opportunity to invest billions in infrastructure, clean energy, and climate resilience. The guide presented here outlines federal technical assistance programs that offer comprehensive information to support communities in winning and deploying federal funding for a wide range of purposes, from planning to project management. Use this guide to identify opportunities for federal assistance programs that will help you achieve your district’s infrastructure and climate goals.
How to use this guide:
- Find the appropriate category
- Preview the categories and identify which one best fits your community needs (if you do not have a project in mind yet); OR
- Identify which category your project best aligns with from the options below (if you already know which project(s)/application(s) you need support with)
- Identify the NOFO or Agency in your category that best suits your project needs
- Review the description(s) for your selection(s) and access the direct links
- Don’t forget to consider our Local Infrastructure Hub Grant-Writing Bootcamps that offer an expert suite of supports to develop strong, competitive grant applications through pro-bono technical training and grant-writing Bootcamps. Registration for our next round of bootcamps is open now, find the programs we will be offering below:
- Bridge Investment Program
- Brownfields Program
- Railroad Crossing Elimination / Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements
- Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods
- The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Program
- Can’t find the assistance you’re looking for? Send us a note at [email protected]!
Disadvantaged Community Resources
Brownfields Technical Assistance
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
This technical assistance program assists communities and stakeholders in addressing their brownfield sites and increases their understanding and involvement in brownfield cleanup. Multiple regional partners across the United States are helping to provide this support this ongoing assistance.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Direct Technical Assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The BRIC Direct Technical Assistance program provides non-financial assistance to help communities and tribes in reducing disaster damage, building community resilience, and sustaining successful mitigation programs. The Local Infrastructure Hub also provides a suite of resources to help communities applying for BRIC. This is a suite of resources developed by the Local Infrastructure hub to help communities apply for.
Clean Energy for Low-Income Communities Accelerator (CELICA)
Energy
The accelerator aimed to lower energy bills for low-income communities through a voluntary partnership between DOE and state/local governments. The goal was to better understand and address low-income energy challenges and demonstrate a wide range of locally designed energy efficiency and distributed renewable energy solutions. The accelerator program has been completed, but website resources are available for use.
Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
A program to build the capacity of local governments experiencing economic distress and to assist local governments and their nonprofit partners in alleviating persistent poverty in disadvantaged areas. Direct technical assistance is provided to entities serving communities with populations under 50,000.
This is ongoing assistance.
Environmental and Climate Justice Technical Assistance Program
EPA
The Environmental and Climate Justice Program was created under the IRA to benefit disadvantaged communities through climate change mitigation projects. This specific technical assistance program assists the applicants and recipients under that program.
The program has $200 million available for technical assistance through September 2026.
Reconnecting Communities Institute
DOT
The institute will provide training and technical assistance to disadvantaged communities. The goal of this program is to build community capacity in transportation planning and seek innovative strategies to reconnect communities that are bifurcated by transportation.
This is ongoing assistance.
Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program
DOT
The program provides resources, funding, and expertise for grant recipients to ease project planning, development, and delivery at the local level. While the Department of Transportation solicits applications for membership in the program, loan programs and public-private partnerships are also available.
The 2024 accelerator application has not yet been announced (as of April 2024).
Thriving Communities Network: DOT
DOT
The Thriving Communities Program funds organizations providing technical assistance, planning, and capacity building to support disadvantaged and under-resourced communities so that they can advance transportation projects supporting community-driven economic development and environmental health.
The 2023 application programs are currently closed and the next round of funding has not yet been announced (as of April 2024).
Thriving Communities: Economic Development Administration Economic Recovery Corps
Department of Commerce
EDA’s ERC program is part of the Department of Commerce’s broader efforts to provide financial and technical assistance to advance locally driven strategies for inclusive and resilient regional economies through the interagency Thriving Communities Network.
The program recruits and places Fellows trained in economic development organizations throughout the nation to develop and execute regional economic development plans and projects in communities.
Thriving Communities Network: EPA
EPA
The Thriving Communities Network, as part of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, has developed its own grants and technical assistance programs. These programs are focused on how to scale for impact, build community wealth, center the power of community, meet areas of greatest need, expand access and participation, and diversify knowledge. In addition, the program is designed to help underserved, rural, and tribal communities.
Applications for related grants are posted as they open: Community Change grants are open now through November 21, 2024.
Thriving Communities Network: HUD
HUD
The Thriving Communities Network at HUD is focused on providing technical assistance to help local governments ensure housing needs are part of local governments’ larger infrastructure investment plans. In addition, this program will support equitable development in disadvantaged communities.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Rural Community Resources
Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
A program to build the capacity of local governments experiencing economic distress and to assist local governments and their nonprofit partners in alleviating persistent poverty in disadvantaged areas. Direct technical assistance is provided to entities serving communities with populations under 50,000.
This is ongoing assistance.
Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program
DOT
The program provides resources, funding, and expertise for grant recipients to ease project planning, development, and delivery at the local level. While the Department of Transportation solicits applications for membership in the program, loan programs and public-private partnerships are also available.
The 2024 accelerator application has not yet been announced (as of April 2024).
Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Successes (ROUTES)
DOT
ROUTES seeks to provide technical assistance to rural communities and tribes with the goal of addressing disparities in rural transportation infrastructure and economic development opportunities. ROUTES engages with rural stakeholders to help rural America.
Opportunities and resources are ongoing.
Thriving Communities: Rural Partners Network
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The Rural Partners Network (RPN) helps rural communities find resources and funding to create jobs, build infrastructure, and support long-term economic stability on their own terms.
Assistance is ongoing.
Tribal Resources
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Direct Technical Assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The BRIC Direct Technical Assistance program provides non-financial assistance to help communities and tribes in reducing disaster damage, building community resilience, and sustaining successful mitigation programs.
The Local Infrastructure Hub also provides a suite of resources to help communities applying for BRIC.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
Energy
The Office of Indian Energy Policy is providing technical assistance to tribal governments to advance tribal energy projects. This technical assistance is given at no cost.
Applications are required for this ongoing assistance.
Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Successes (ROUTES)
DOT
ROUTES seeks to provide technical assistance to rural communities and tribes with the goal of addressing disparities in rural transportation infrastructure and economic development opportunities. ROUTES engages with rural stakeholders to help rural America.
Opportunities and resources are ongoing.
Tribal Technical Assistance Program
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in DOT
There are seven Tribal Technical Assistance Program centers, serving as the go-to local resource for the tribal transportation training, technical assistance, and technology transfer needs and opportunities.
This is ongoing assistance.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Climate Resilience, and Mitigation
Clean Cities and Communities
U.S. Department of Energy (Energy)
Cities can get a Clean Cities and Communities designation when they form a coalition that exhibits broad commitment to and support for implementing alternative fuels, electric vehicles and other fuel and energy-saving technologies. The Department of Energy provides technical assistance, analysis, information resources, and online tools and data for participating coalitions as well as the opportunity to work with expert staff.
This is ongoing assistance.
Clean Energy for Low-Income Communities Accelerator (CELICA)
Energy
The accelerator aimed to lower energy bills for low-income communities through a voluntary partnership between DOE and state/local governments. The goal was to better understand and address low-income energy challenges and demonstrate a wide range of locally designed energy efficiency and distributed renewable energy solutions.
The accelerator program has been completed, but website resources are available for use.
Clean Energy to Communities (C2C)
Energy
The C2C program’s goal is to connect local government, electric utilities, and community-based groups with experts at the DOE National Laboratory complex to provide technical support for the deployment of clean energy systems. There are three levels of engagement: in-depth technical partnerships, peer-learning cohorts, and expert matchmaking.
The program is currently open (as of April 2024).
Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Technical Assistance
EPA
Website provides tools and resources to support creation of Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAP) and Comprehensive Climate Action Plans (CCAP). Website also includes recordings of CPRG technical assistance forums and an FAQ.
CPRG planning grant deadline has passed, but website resources are available for use.
Electrification & EV Charging
Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation provides states, communities, and tribes with technical assistance on planning and delivery to assist in the building of a national EV charging network. Resources are also provided to create State EV Charging Plans.
Assistance is ongoing and resources are publicly available.
The Local Infrastructure Hub also provides a suite of resources to help communities applying for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure grants.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG): LIH Bootcamp materials
Energy
This is a suite of resources developed by the Local Infrastructure Hub to help communities apply for EECBG grants. EECBG provides funding for local governments and other grantees to implement energy efficiency, emission reduction, and fossil fuel reduction strategies.
Environmental and Climate Justice Technical Assistance Program
EPA
The Environmental and Climate Justice Program was created under the IRA to benefit disadvantaged communities through climate change mitigation projects. This specific technical assistance program assists the applicants and recipients under that program.
The program has $200 million available for technical assistance through September 2026.
Flood Mitigation Assistance: LIH Bootcamp Materials
FEMA
This is a suite of resources developed by the Local Infrastructure Hub to help communities apply for flood mitigation grants. FMA supports local communities through investments in strategies to harden resilience, in plans for flood mitigation, and in reducing the risk of damage before a disaster. Projects might include reducing flood losses by elevation and relocation of flood insured structures, along with floodproofing non-residential structures, small local flood reduction projects, and plans to reduce flood damage.
Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Construction Materials and Products
EPA
EPA has established this program to generate grants, direct technical assistance, and label programs helping manufacturers, buyers, real estate developers, and builders. The program is to help these entities report and subsequently lower the levels of embodied carbon and other greenhouse gasses associated with the relevant stages of construction materials.
Related funding opportunities are posted on the website as they open.
Solar Energy Innovation Network (SEIN)
Energy
The goal of the program is to bring together a diverse team to research solutions to real-world challenges related to solar energy adoption.
The program is currently in its third round, exploring equitable solar in underserved communities. Rounds last 18 months and focus on a particular topic or theme.
State and Local Solution Center (for energy efficiency and renewable energy)
Energy
This is a resource hub for states, local governments, and K-12 school districts. The Solution Center highlights various technical assistance opportunities to help organizations reach their energy efficiency and renewable energy goals.
Opportunities and resources are ongoing.
Technical Assistance for the Adoption of Building Energy Codes
Energy
Through the Inflation Reduction Act, $1 billion has been provided to states and local governments to adopt building codes and standards with innovative approaches to decarbonization. This program will provide technical assistance for the states or units of local government with code-making authority to implement these innovative changes.
Funds are available through September 30, 2029.
Housing Projects
Clean Energy for Low-Income Communities Accelerator (CELICA)
Energy
The accelerator program aimed to lower energy bills for low-income communities through a voluntary partnership between DOE and state/local governments. The goal was to better understand and address low-income energy challenges and demonstrate a wide range of locally designed energy efficiency and distributed renewable energy solutions.
The accelerator program has been completed, but website resources are still available for use.
Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
A program to build the capacity of local governments experiencing economic distress and to assist local governments and their nonprofit partners in alleviating persistent poverty in disadvantaged areas. Direct technical assistance is provided to entities serving communities with populations under 50,000.
This is ongoing assistance.
Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Construction Materials and Products
EPA
EPA has established this program to generate grants, direct technical assistance, and label programs helping manufacturers, buyers, real estate developers, and builders. The program is to help these entities report and subsequently lower the levels of embodied carbon and other greenhouse gases associated with the relevant stages of construction materials.
Related funding opportunities are posted on website as they open.
Thriving Communities Network: HUD
HUD
The Thriving Communities Network at HUD is focused on providing technical assistance to help local governments ensure housing needs are part of local governments’ larger infrastructure investment plans. In addition, this program will support equitable development in disadvantaged communities.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Water Projects
Planning Assistance to States for Water Resources
Army Corps of Engineers
Through the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), states, tribes, local governments, and regional and interstate water resource authorities have access to technical assistance on water resources planning efforts. The program can help with a specific water resources issue or an interrelated set of issues.
The requests for assistance can be made to a local USACE District at any time.
Sustainable Wastewater Infrastructure of the Future Accelerator (SWIFt)
Energy
The Sustainable Wastewater of the Future (SWIFt) Accelerator worked with water resource recovery facilities to accelerate a pathway toward sustainable infrastructure. SWIFt aimed to catalyze the adoption of innovative and best-practice approaches in data management, advanced technologies, and financing for infrastructure improvement.
The accelerator is complete but online resources are available to all.
Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA)
EPA
The Water Technical Assistance service assists communities in identifying water infrastructure or water quality challenges and developing grant program plans. The program aims to increase access to safe and reliable water services across the United States.
This is ongoing assistance that entities must request to utilize.
Innovation and New Technologies
Center for Accelerating Innovation
FHWA
The center works with stakeholders to identify proven yet underutilized innovations and increase their deployment and foster collaboration between stakeholders within the transportation community.
This is ongoing assistance.
Clean Cities and Communities
U.S. Department of Energy (Energy)
Cities can get a Clean Cities and Communities designation when they form a coalition that exhibits broad commitment to and support for implementing alternative fuels, electric vehicles and other fuel and energy-saving technologies. The Department of Energy provides technical assistance, analysis, information resources, and online tools and data for participating coalitions as well as the opportunity to work with expert staff.
This is ongoing assistance.
FHWA Resource Center
DOT
The center provides personalized technical assistance, customized training and ongoing support for the implementation of new innovations.
This is ongoing assistance.
National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT)
Program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Community Transportation Association of America
The N-CATT is focused on expert, technical assistance to transit agencies in rural areas to further develop their transit technologies. In addition, the program is looking for innovations in these areas to develop and support transit services that are cost-effective and efficient.
This is ongoing assistance.
Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program
DOT
The program provides resources, funding, and expertise for grant recipients to ease project planning, development, and delivery at the local level. While the Department of Transportation solicits applications for membership in the program, loan programs and public-private partnerships are also available.
The 2024 accelerator application has not yet been announced (as of April 2024).
Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant Program: LIH Bootcamp Materials
DOT
This is a suite of resources developed by the Local Infrastructure Hub to help communities apply for SMART grants. SMART helps communities with demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems to improve transportation efficiency and safety. Projects might include systems integration, innovative aviation, smart grid, and/or traffic signals. By building data and technology capacity at the local level, municipalities can improve residents’ quality of life and encourage innovation.
Financing and Procurement
Build America Center
University of Maryland via Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
The Build America Center works to foster new approaches to transportation infrastructure development and delivery through the creation of a knowledge hub. This knowledge hub provides research, collaborative partnerships, deliver training, and provide tailored technical assistance.
DOT Project Delivery Center of Excellence
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
The Project Delivery Center of Excellence is working to support project implementation so that infrastructure projects are completed on time, on task, and on budget.
This is ongoing assistance.
Innovative Finance and Asset Concessions Grant Program
DOT
This grant program assists eligible public entities in facilitating and evaluating public-private partnerships and exploring innovative financing and delivery opportunities for transportation infrastructure projects.
Applications are due May 10, 2024.
Understanding Direct Pay tax credits
Resource available from Local Infrastructure Hub (non-government)
Enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), Direct Pay provides direct financial assistance to cities, non-profit organizations, and other tax-exempt entities to defray the costs associated with clean energy investments, for example electrifying a city’s fleet or installing solar panels on public buildings. Direct Pay recipients can increase the value of their benefit by as much as 30% if their project supports low-income communities, communities traditionally dependent on coal, or if they abide by prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.
This is an ongoing tax benefit.
School and School Buses
Clean School Bus (CSB) Program
EPA
The Clean School Bus Program aims to bring clean school bus technical assistance to school districts to implement clean school buses and infrastructure.
The $5 million Clean Bus Planning Awards program provides free technical assistance to create comprehensive and customized bus electrification plans; applications for assistance are open on a rolling basis through Sept. 30, 2024.
Funding to Address Air Pollution at Schools
EPA
This technical assistance program addresses air pollution at schools to promote a healthy learning environment at your school to reduce absenteeism, improve test scores and enhance student and staff productivity.
Apprenticeships and Workforce Development
Registered Apprenticeship (RA) Technical Assistance (TA) Centers of Excellence
Department of Labor
The RA TA Centers of Excellence are in partnership with the Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship to provide technical expertise and services on a national scale to key registered apprenticeship programs.
Current registered apprenticeship programs can access the technical assistance.
Transit Workforce Development Technical Assistance Center (TWC)
Federal Transit Administration, administered by the International Transportation Learning Center
The TWC is assisting public transit agencies’ workforce development by conducting technical assistance with and for transit agencies and implementing technical assistance activities through partnerships. The centers aim to help transit agencies recruit, hire, train, and retain a workforce.
This is ongoing assistance.
Roads and Bridges
FHWA Resource Center
DOT
The center provides personalized technical assistance, customized training and ongoing support for the implementation of new innovations.
This is ongoing assistance.
Safe Streets and Roads for All: LIH Bootcamp materials
DOT
This is a suite of resources developed by the Local Infrastructure Hub to help communities apply for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants. SS4A grants are for projects that improve roadway safety and prevent deaths and serious injuries.
Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant Program: LIH Bootcamp Materials
DOT
This is a suite of resources developed by the Local Infrastructure Hub to help communities apply for SMART grants. SMART helps communities with demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems to improve transportation efficiency and safety. Projects might include systems integration, innovative aviation, smart grid, and/or traffic signals. By building data and technology capacity at the local level, municipalities can improve residents’ quality of life and encourage innovation.
FHWA Resource Center
DOT
The center provides personalized technical assistance, customized training and ongoing support for the implementation of new innovations.
This is ongoing assistance.
Project Management and Implementation
DOT Project Delivery Center of Excellence
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
The Project Delivery Center of Excellence is working to support project implementation so that infrastructure projects are completed on time, on task, and on budget.
This is ongoing assistance.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
DOT
The center disseminates techniques and strategies for improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety; develops information and educational programs and products related to pedestrian and bicycle facilities; provides tracking and technical support to safety professionals; and conducts research.
This is ongoing assistance.
Safe Streets and Roads for All: LIH Bootcamp materials
DOT
This is a suite of resources developed by the Local Infrastructure Hub to help communities apply for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants. SS4A grants are for projects that improve roadway safety and prevent deaths and serious injuries.
Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant Program: LIH Bootcamp Materials
DOT
This is a suite of resources developed by the Local Infrastructure Hub to help communities apply for SMART grants. SMART helps communities with demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems to improve transportation efficiency and safety. Projects might include systems integration, innovative aviation, smart grid, and/or traffic signals. By building data and technology capacity at the local level, municipalities can improve residents’ quality of life and encourage innovation.
Solid Waste and Recycling Projects
Waste-to-Energy Technical Assistance
National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Energy
This program provides U.S. state, local, and tribal governments with technical assistance to advance waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies. The technical assistance addresses knowledge gaps, specific challenges, decision-making considerations, planning, and project implementation strategies related to WTE.
2024 technical assistance applications will be accepted through April 15, 2024. Online resources are available.