Guide to Local Recovery Update: Dec. 14

The registration deadline for the second round of federal infrastructure grant bootcamps has been extended until Dec. 16. The program helps small- and mid-sized cities develop more competitive grant applications. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy released information about a key energy grant program and the White House developed a guide to help local officials access workforce development grants. The National League of Cities also released two new recovery resources.

Federal grant bootcamp registration extended to Dec. 16 

The National League of Cities and the Local Infrastructure Hub are accepting applications for five new infrastructure grant bootcamps. The 3-4 month-long program helps cities with populations under 150,000 develop competitive grant applications for the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act. The bootcamps include live learning sessions taught by subject matter experts, coaching sessions, office hours, and opportunities for peer learning.

The January bootcamps will help cities reduce fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency, build electric vehicle charging infrastructure, prevent roadway deaths, and clean up brownfield sites — areas with known or possible contamination from prior use. Registration ends Dec. 16.

Major energy grant program expected to open in January

The U.S. Department of Energy released information about its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, including draft formula allocations for cities and application requirements. Funding will go directly to cities, towns, and villages with over 35,000 residents or communities that are one of the top 10 most populous in the state. Applications are expected to open in January.

The block grant program helps cities advance energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy goals. The program has been funded twice — once in 2009 and again in 2021 with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Most of the funding will go to cities and counties.

The Energy Department also developed an optional survey for local governments on whether the program should offer vouchers for technical assistance and/or an equipment rebate in lieu of a formula grant. Completing the survey does not lock a community into selecting this option. Rather, it helps the Energy Department gauge potential interest and ensure a more effective rollout.

White House releases workforce development grant guide

The White House developed a guide to help local officials and other stakeholders take full advantage of the workforce development opportunities in the federal infrastructure law. The guide contains key information about each grant program, including examples of eligible projects, expected application dates, and links to more resources.

The 91-page guide also contains information about other related federal programs. Funding from many of these programs can be combined or coordinated with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law resources at the state, regional, and local levels to build equitable pathways to well-paying infrastructure jobs.

Broadband and public workforce resources from NLC

The National League of Cities (NLC) released an overview of the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program and related outreach grant programs. Funded by the federal infrastructure package, the $14.2 billion program has become an effective tool for closing the digital divide in many regions. The article includes high-level information about the outreach grant programs.

NLC will also hold a Dec. 15 webinar on public workforce trends. From global economic conditions to community dynamics, public agencies are beset by a range of factors seemingly beyond their control. Understanding the impacts on public employee recruitment, retention, and retirement, as well as morale, burnout, and effective service delivery, can help cities build more effective, resilient workforces and ultimately, more resilient and vibrant communities.