The RCN program (formerly known as the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant (NAEG) program) helps to reconnect neighborhoods divided by infrastructure. Cities, towns, and villages can use funds to address local infrastructure projects such as removing, replacing, or retrofitting highways and freeways. This grant program supports equitable transportation planning and will allow residents to become more active in the infrastructure projects that negatively impact them and their surrounding environment. The NAEG program was established to remove surface transportation structures (e.g. highways or viaducts) to increase connectivity in disadvantaged or underserved communities, and planning/capacity-building activities in these communities. The program aligns with federal administration policies and priorities on Safety, Economic Strength, Equity, Climate and Sustainability and Transformation, and Organization Excellence. Download the grant summary.

Bootcamp Structure

Courses

Peer Learning Sessions (Webinars): Interactive sessions featuring Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on the policy and grant approach, followed by smaller sessions for peer discussions

Coaching Sessions: Smaller sessions that continue to build on specific application questions identified in the peer learning session

Office Hours (Consultant Meetings): Support in the form of designated time slots with our SMEs and your team to address specific questions about your grant application

Support

Navigator Team: Our Navigator team is available to help answer the following kinds of questions:

  • Bootcamp timelines
  • Bootcamp schedules
  • Participation expectations

Our Navigator for this grant is Jan Mangana. She can be reached at mangana@nlc.org

Prepare for Success

Download the full outline of the bootcamp schedule, goals, and key steps to ensure you are ready to attend the following courses and successfully prepare and submit your grant application.

Modules and Resources

Module 1

Orientation and Grant Overview

Cities will be oriented to the funding program.

View the Module 1 Peer Learning Session
Download the Module 1 Slide Deck

Module 2

Federal Administration Priorities

Cities will also be able to incorporate climate, equity, and training and workforce development into their grant applications and demonstrate that they are willing to raise their ambitions in these priority areas.

    View the Module 2 Peer Learning Session
    Download the Module 2 Slide Deck

    Module 3

    Incorporating Data

    Cities will access and utilize a data platform providing local statistics on issues ranging from health and housing to local economy and environmental issues, as well as other focused variables relevant to their grant application. This module also includes training on conducting equity analysis and developing a strong, data-driven narrative to complement grant applications.

    View the Module 3 Peer Learning Session
    Download the Module 3 Slide Deck

    Additional Resources

    Federal Grant Navigation Equity Dashboard
    Building a Community Narrative Worksheet
    RCN Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
    Upcoming DOT-sponsored RCN Webinars
    ROUTES initiative
    Equity and Justice40
    NAE Fact Sheet
    Announcement: New, Streamlined Application Process
    Federal Railroad Administration Crossing Inventory
    NLC Interactive Map - Train Derailments 2012-2023
    National Bridge Inventory Mapping

    Module 4

    Engaging the Community

    Cities will be able to draft Community Engagement and Advocacy Strategies and understand the audience for advocacy and project strategies.

    View the Module 4 Peer Learning Session
    Download the Module 4 Slide Deck

    Module 5

    Demystifying Capital Stacks and Budgeting

    Cities will understand the basics of capital stacks and funding structures for projects, and possible matching grant requirements and allowable uses before applying this understanding towards developing a draft project budget with matching sources and potential new sources of funding.

    View the Module 5 Peer Learning Session
    Download the Module 5 Slide Deck

    Additional Resources

    The Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.317-2 CFR 200.324 may provide insight into procurement requirements as applicable depending on grant requirements.  Located in Subpart D “Procurement Standards” at around 2 CFR 200.318 here:   

    General procurement standards

    External Evaluation of the Impact of Local Infrastructure Hub (LIH)

    Owen Consulting will be conducting short confidential interviews to gain insights on the impact of the LIH. If you are interested in speaking with them about your experience participating in the LIH, here is a link to a contact form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GL3R38V

    Module 6

    Tell Your Story

    Cities will understand best practices for crafting narratives and will be able to produce a compelling grant narrative consistent with the funding opportunity requirements. Additionally, Cities will understand how to package/submit a complete grant application and develop a plan to advance the request with key officials.

    View the Module 6 Peer Learning Session
    Download the Module 6 Slide Deck

    Module 7

    Long-Term Capacity Building

    Once the applications have been submitted, cities develop plans to successfully administer the grant including how best to (re)organize local institutional processes.

    View the Module 7 Peer Learning Session
    Download the Module 7 Slide Deck

    Additional Office Hours 

    Get Additional Assistance from our SMEs!

    Our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are offering office hours on September 22nd from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM to provide cities with last minute assistance before the September 28th deadline for the RCN grant.

    ❯  Register for Office Hours

      • Friday, September 22:  11:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST

    Bootcamp Calendar