Federal and City Relations
Ahead of busy Thanksgiving travel, improvements to air transportation touted
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted a low airline cancellation rate, airport upgrades and the hiring of more air traffic controllers. He also cautioned that funding squabbles in Congress could hurt progress.
As cities struggle to shelter migrants, calls for federal action grow
State and local leaders have resorted to desperate measures—sometimes circumventing the federal government—to find housing and support for the influx of asylum seekers. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
The federal government has more than 8,000 vacant properties. Why aren’t they being used to house the homeless?
A 2016 law says unused federal properties should be turned over to help the homeless. But a complex process and bureaucratic requirements are making that nearly impossible.
‘Reconnecting Communities’ grant applications expanded
The federal Transportation Department announced $3.35 billion in grant opportunities to reconnect communities divided by highways, rail lines and other infrastructure.
Mayors: There’s a Mental Health Crisis in Every City
It is causing drug overdoses and homelessness in cities across America. But with the debt deal to freeze spending, it is uncertain whether federal help is coming.
New Map Shows How Common Train Derailments Are
Few are as dangerous as the one in East Palestine, but city advocates hope the online tool showing the location of thousands of derailments will underscore the need for a federal safety law.
New Initiative Will Help Cities Reduce Homelessness
The program will “embed” federal officials in six cities to help local officials get people off the streets and into homes more quickly.
White House Vowed to Play Key Role in Opioid Settlements But Has Gone Quiet
Billions of dollars are headed to state and local governments to address the opioid crisis. But if the federal government fails to oversee the use of the money, it could lead to wasted opportunities. And the feds could have a claim to portions of states’ opioid settlements.
We’re Back! Our Grand Return to Live Events
Route Fifty and GCN will hit the road with a new free event series to explore how cities across the country are building their future today.
$700M in Grants for Local EV Chargers Announced
The competitive grants are designed to install electric vehicle chargers in local communities where private entities are otherwise less likely to build them.
House GOP Tightens Rules for Earmarks
The move will likely limit future funding for state and local government projects in the areas of education, human services and workforce development, as well as for government operations.
In Preview of Debt Limit Fight, House Republicans Target Climate Funds
A House Environment subcommittee voted to claw back $27 billion from President Biden’s climate law, signaling what the GOP may demand in future budget negotiations.
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