Adapting to the New Phase of Federal Infrastructure Funding

With a new administration and new priorities, federal infrastructure funding is entering a new phase, not only due to shifting priorities, but also because of expiring authorizations and exhausted program funds as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)  and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) complete their funding allocations. While local governments are navigating a more constrained and uncertain fiscal environment, there remains momentum and opportunity for communities to adapt to the evolving landscape.

There remains momentum and opportunity for communities to adapt to the evolving landscape.

How Results for America Is Helping

Results for America, a lead partner in the Local Infrastructure Hub, has supported thousands of local governments in accessing and implementing federal infrastructure funds under IJJA and the IRA. Given ongoing federal funding changes, the Hub has been working diligently to help local governments adapt. In a recent webinar, we outlined key steps municipalities can take to navigate this transition and maximize their investments.

Below we’ve highlighted practical strategies and actionable resources to help local governments continue delivering for their residents.

3 Immediate Actions for Local Governments

1. Conduct an internal audit: Inventory your infrastructure projects to assess your budgets and to evaluate impact.

• Leverage Accelerator for America’s Stress Test steps to better understand how federal funding factors into municipal budgets.
• Brush up on best practices for managing and auditing grants by reviewing  the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA’s) Grants Management and Internal Controls Guiding Principles. 
• Implement U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Five Key Internal Controls for current and future infrastructure projects.  

2. Create tighter fiscal plans: Develop contingency plans for infrastructure projects that outline priorities and practices for operating in a tighter fiscal environment.

• Decipher federal government jargon using Federal Funds Information for States’ Demystifying Federal Budgetspeak Guide.
• Prepare to navigate potential federal funding shifts and continue supporting communities effectively using FORWARD’s Strategies for Government Leaders.
• Define and prioritize evidence to better showcase how infrastructure projects are providing lasting impacts using RFA’s County Evidence-based Budgeting Guide.

3. Engage and inform stakeholders throughout the process: Continue to keep your residents and congressional delegation engaged and informed. 

• When determining and communicating budget decisions with residents, be sure to Avoid Common Pitfalls In Community Engagement.
• Stay in close contact with your congressional delegation, especially those who have supported your projects, to keep them informed of progress and to gather impact stories that demonstrate the benefits that your project will bring to your district. Share these impact stories with Congress and the administration.

And finally, stay informed and connected with peers. We’re grateful that you are part of the Results Network and we hope to help you navigate the ever-evolving federal funding landscape. Additionally, city leaders are encouraged to dive deeper into our Local Infrastructure Hub programming by subscribing to the Monthly Insider, attending webinars, and joining our Technical Assistance Bootcamps.