Federal and City Relations
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.
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.
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.
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.
$1B Cybersecurity Grant Program Still Coming Into Focus
The new federal initiative is in its early stages, with questions about how the money will be spent and how much control localities, versus states, will have over it.
Republicans are Gearing Up for ‘Aggressive’ ARPA Oversight if They Take Back the House
Lawmakers tell Route Fifty that “clawing back” unspent or misspent American Rescue Plan Act funds from states and localities is a possibility.
Biden Calls on Governors to Pardon Marijuana Possession Offenses
He did so after issuing a blanket pardon for all federal convictions for simple possession of the drug.
New Help Available for Underserved Places Applying for Federal Grants
The Thriving Communities Program aims to offer assistance to localities that might struggle to compete for funding in areas like housing and transportation.
How Much Federal Covid Aid are Cities Spending to Help Kids?
New research looks at how local governments are using the money to address the fallout the pandemic has had for children in areas like education and mental health.
Mayors and Law Enforcement React to Police Funding Package
The U.S. House-passed legislation would provide new federal dollars for hiring officers and other initiatives. But it faces an uncertain path in the Senate.
Democrats Strike Deal to Boost Funding for Police
The package would provide new federal dollars for hiring officers, as well as violence prevention initiatives and job training.
Featured eBooks
