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On November 25th, 2025, the Local Infrastructure Hub hosted a session to explore successes in securing direct federal funding for cities. Since the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) four years ago, cities and towns across the country have been able to apply for competitive infrastructure funding at the national level, enabling them to receive more robust funding to build safer streets, expand transportation options, strengthen communities, and create jobs. This webinar featured Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln, Nebraska; Mayor Celina Benitez of Mount Rainier, Maryland; Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Missouri; Mayor Brian Wahler of Piscataway, New Jersey; Mayor Kirk Watson of Austin, Texas; and Jason Mistlebauer, Director of Grants & Policy, Witt O’Brien’s, who shared how these investments are accelerating infrastructure progress and advancing long-term visions for cities.
Key Insights Shared
Stay the course.
Kansas City is using federal infrastructure dollars to move forward on bridge replacements, reconnecting communities, expanding its tree canopy, and advancing renewable energy initiatives. Mayor Lucas discussed that despite uncertainty in federal funding, the city continues to stay the course by securing local match funding, and fully executing the grants already awarded. This steady, proactive approach reinforces Kansas City’s long-term vision and has helped strengthen partnerships with utilities, philanthropic organizations, and housing groups.
Connect federal funding to visible community benefits.
Lincoln received a $400,000 SS4A grant to develop its Vision Zero Action Plan and a $66.7 million Railroad Crossing Elimination grant from the Federal Railroad Administration. Mayor Gaylor Baird emphasized the importance of public engagement, and has brought residents to project sites to highlight the safety improvements already underway. By clearly showing how federal infrastructure dollars translate into tangible benefits for residents, Lincoln has strengthened public trust and sustained momentum for future projects.
Reframe the conversation.
Austin has secured major federal infrastructure grants, such as Bridge Investment Program funding and multiple Safe Streets and Roads for All awards. Mayor Watson highlighted that these investments not only improve regional mobility, but stimulate economic activity by improving the movement of people and goods to support local businesses. Austin is also leveraging this moment to expand its Infrastructure Academy, a workforce program designed to prepare residents for high-quality, better-paying jobs created by the very projects funded through these federal grants. As federal priorities shift, he encouraged cities to find common ground with this administration by focusing on how these projects grow the local economy, and create jobs.
Take advantage of support systems.
Mount Rainier, Maryland is approximately one square mile with a population of about 8,500. Despite being small, Mount Rainier was the only city in Maryland to receive a SS4A implementation grant, securing $9.7 million for sidewalk maintenance, high visibility crosswalks, and ADA ramps. Mayor Benitez credits Mount Rainier’s success, in part, to the Local Infrastructure Hub, for helping them navigate the process to ensure they submitted a strong application. She encouraged other small cities to work with partner organizations and lean on support systems because these direct funds have meant that a small city is able to be a big player, unlocking additional investment and enabling the city to pursue other major grants
Use direct funding to build long-term resiliency and reduce costs.
Piscataway’s “Goes Green” initiative leverages IIJA and IRA programs, including investment tax credits, direct pay provisions, and energy-efficiency grants, to install 2.9 MW of solar arrays, EV charging stations, HVAC upgrades, and a municipal microgrid. Mayor Wahler notes that these incentives made the largest municipal solar installation in New Jersey possible. At a time when affordability for residents is a top priority for mayors, this project has increased Pascataway’s resiliency while protecting residents from rising utility costs.
Frame projects as investments, not just outputs.
Jason Mistlebauer from Witt O’Brien’s discussed the importance of turning planning documents into clear, shovel-ready application narratives to show how each dollar creates lasting value. He encouraged cities to break large projects into smaller, fundable phases, and engage funders early and often to ensure that applications are nimble, compelling, and outcome-focused.
Resources Shared During the Webinar and in Discussion: