Federal and City Relations

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.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

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.

  • By Kery Murakami

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.

  • By Kery Murakami

Treasury Reopens ‘Help Desk’ for States and Localities

The call center, which fielded 300 calls and about 2,000 emails a week before it was shut down, provided governments with assistance on the handling of various pandemic-related programs.

  • By Kery Murakami

‘Catastrophic Financially.’ What It Means for Cities If the Debt Ceiling Isn’t Raised

A default on the federal level could discourage investors from providing the money cities need to function, build affordable housing, fix roads and make other improvements.

  • By Kery Murakami

HUD Offers Cities Help to Add Housing Near Transportation Options

As part of the Thriving Communities effort, the federal agency will supply technical assistance to revive economically distressed areas.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Some Towns Get Funding Boost from Census Corrections

Census population count corrections have started to roll out, but officials say the bureau needs to be more transparent about the process as valuable funding opportunities remain on the line.

  • By Tim Henderson, Stateline

Are Mayors Open to Federal Budget Cuts? It Depends Who You Ask

Route Fifty caught up with mayors from around the country to get their views on Republican threats to chop federal spending.

  • By Kery Murakami

Tips for Winning Federal Transportation Grants

A Biden administration official had some advice for city leaders seeking funding for projects under the latest federal infrastructure law.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

What the Mayors Discussed When They Met With Biden

Immigration and how cities are spending federal funding were among the topics that came up during the White House meeting.

  • By Kery Murakami

Mayors Fret Over Possibility of ARPA Clawbacks

Detroit’s mayor urged others to speed up putting American Rescue Plan Act funds to use and to take special care that spending adheres to federal rules. He's not the only one raising concerns.

  • By Kery Murakami
Featured eBooks
Road and Transit Infrastructure Trends
Federal Recovery Funds at the State and Local Level
Infrastructure at a Turning Point

What the $1.7 Trillion Spending Bill Includes for States and Localities

Congressional lawmakers fought back attempts by conservatives to delay the legislation until next year, approving billions for infrastructure, new regional technology hubs, homelessness programs and other state and local government priorities.

  • By Kery Murakami

$45M for New Trails Grants Included in Federal Funding Deal

Cycling and pedestrian advocates had pressed for more, but say the money included in the legislation would be a good start.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Nearly 30 Years After the ADA, Transit Agencies Awarded Federal Money to Make Stations More Accessible

New York, which has by far the most stations that are not easily accessible to people with disabilities, was awarded the most grant money.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Should the Deadline to Spend ARPA Dollars be Extended?

Some local officials involved in managing American Rescue Plan Act aid describe a 2026 cut-off to use up all of the money as uncomfortably close.

  • By Bill Lucia

‘Right Leader for This Time’: League of Cities Gets a New President

Mayor Victoria Woodards of Tacoma, Washington, who stepped into the National League of Cities’ leadership role earlier this month, spoke to Route Fifty about her priorities for the group.

  • By Bill Lucia

The Infrastructure Law, One Year In

Local officials are still expressing appreciation for all the extra federal funding. But some, along with Republican lawmakers, are seeking tweaks on permitting and in other areas to make accessing and spending the money easier.

  • By Kery Murakami

In a Rural Corner of the West, a Local Level Push to Revive Passenger Rail

Cuts in the late 1970s ended Amtrak service across southern Montana. Now, a county-led coalition wants to bring it back.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Cities and States Bristle Over Proposal to Change How They Report on Finances

Congress is weighing a plan that calls for overhauling how state and local government financial data is made public, stirring worries about new costs for software and staff. But supporters of the revamp say it’s long overdue.

  • By Kery Murakami

Treasury Shuts Down Helpline for States and Localities

Due to a funding crunch left unaddressed by Congress, the department is phasing out phone and email services to field questions about billions in pandemic aid.

  • By Daniel C. Vock