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On November 19, 2024, the Local Infrastructure Hub hosted a webinar on the impact and progress of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) over the past 3 years. BIL makes significant long-term investments in America’s infrastructure, committing $1.2 trillion over ten years to more than 350 distinct programs. These programs aim to rebuild America’s transportation system, expand access to high speed internet, make our nation’s infrastructure resilient to climate change, and invest in historically underserved communities.
During the session Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation at the U.S. Department of Transportation; Mayor David Holt of Oklahoma City, OK; Mayor James Hovland of Edina, MN; Mayor Aquanetta Warren of Fontana, CA; Mayor Chris Koos of Normal, IL; and Mayor Craig Greenberg of Louisville, KY discussed successful projects and the role local government can play in leveraging the opportunity to deliver infrastructure improvements that will serve the city for generations to come.
Key insights shared:
Share the stories behind the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) projects to highlight their transformative action and strengthen public understanding.
Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Mayor David Holt discussed how highlighting the BIL’s role in funding projects can demonstrate the transformative impact of this historic funding model. From multibillion-dollar investments like the Hudson River Tunnel to smaller, essential improvements like the Bus Rapid Transit route in Madison, cities are using BIL funding for projects that address critical needs and strengthen local communities. Sharing these stories not only underscores the importance of federal-local collaboration, but also helps solidify the case for continuing direct investments that empower local priorities.
Leverage local partnerships to strengthen workforce development and community engagement in federally funded projects.
Mayor Greenberg shared how historic funding has provided Louisville, KY, with the opportunity to pursue several transformative projects in historically disinvested communities. One example is the city’s Reimagine 9th Street project, which is converting a fast four lane road into a pedestrian and multimodal friendly street that reunites neighborhoods and improves economic opportunities for nearby residents. By collaborating with local labor unions, workforce development organizations, and businesses, cities are ensuring that infrastructure projects create jobs and drive sustainable development.
Take advantage BIL funding opportunities to advance your city’s current and future needs.
Mayor Koos highlighted the success of Amtrak investments in critical infrastructure and passenger rail, which are benefiting cities across the country. With the expansion of service between St. Paul, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Chicago, along with the addition of four more Northeast regional trips per day, Amtrak has managed to carry more customers in 2024 with fewer resources than in 2019. Laying the groundwork for sustainable infrastructure and passenger rail systems is essential to keeping pace with the growth of cities.
Advocate for the impacts BIL has had and will continue to have on your community.
Mayor Warren highlighted how much the residents that live in Fontana, California have benefited from the multiple projects the USDOT has funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The city’s $15 million RAISE grant will not only support the updates of a dangerous corridor that lacks sidewalk space for students getting to and from school, but spur additional investments, including a major medical campus that is anticipated to bring billions of dollars into the community. Fontana’s RAISE project is also estimated to provide improvements in traffic flow, reduce commute times for first responders, create a new bus transit system, and increase workforce opportunities.
Resources Shared During the Webinar and in Discussion:
Local Infrastructure Hub Bootcamp Materials
The Local Infrastructure Hub is here to support cities in accessing Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding and communicating the success of BIL-funded projects through a mix of webinars, practical tools and templates. Our webinars and Grant Application Bootcamps can guide you through different application processes and actionable steps to submit a strong application.
Register for our Local Infrastructure Hub Bootcamps now to receive technical assistance for city staff on relevant tools and templates that can be applied to grant applications; learn how to build community engagement plans and leverage community assets; understand how to effectively incorporate data into the grant application process; and construct a strong budget and grant narrative.