Addressing New York's Municipal Solid Waste Crisis Webinar

Presented by Citizens Campaign for the Environment with the New York State Association of Counties and NYCOM

FREE WEBINAR: WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2024 (12:00-1:00 P.M.)

REGISTER HERE

Please join us for an interactive webinar to learn more about the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and the benefits it can provide to our communities.

Throughout New York State, municipal waste management and recycling programs are struggling to cope with the more than 17 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually. The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, commonly referred to as Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR, would require manufacturers to take responsibility for their products throughout their entire product life cycle, by bearing the cost of proper recycling and responsible disposal of product packaging.

Not only would this legislation provide relief to taxpayers and save local governments hundreds of millions of dollars a year, but it would also require producers to minimize packaging materials, improve recyclability, and reduce the toxicity of their products.

In addition to addressing the financial benefits for local governments, the expert panel will discuss how the proposal would provide investments in much needed recycling infrastructure, reduce pollution and litter in communities, increase recycling, and more! Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Speakers:

  • Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment
  • Senator Pete Harckham, bill sponsor & Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee
  • Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, bill sponsor & Chair of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (invited)
  • Dawn Timm, Chair, NYS Product Stewardship Council
  • Scott Cassel, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Product Stewardship Institute

NYMIR WEBINARS

SAFEGUARDING MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE: STRATEGIES FOR CRITICAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION (5/16/24 | 9:00 a.m.)

In today's interconnected world, the safety and prosperity of a community hinge upon the security and resilience of its critical infrastructure. Municipal leaders are at the forefront of safeguarding essential systems such as water, energy, transportation, and public safety. With cyber threats looming large in the digital age, protecting these infrastructures has never been more critical.

Join us for a comprehensive webinar designed to equip municipal leaders with the strategies and knowledge needed to fortify their critical infrastructure. Throughout this session, participants will explore the realm of critical infrastructure protection, gaining valuable insights and practical tools to mitigate risks and enhance resilience. Delve into best practices and principles for designing and implementing secure infrastructure, ensuring robust protection against potential cyber threats. Draw from real-world examples and learn from leading experts in the field, acquiring actionable strategies to safeguard municipal infrastructure effectively.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS (ONGOING)

We are excited to kickstart our exclusive One-on-One Consultation service. Elisabeth Dubois, NYMIR’s Cybersecurity Risk Specialist will reach out to you in advance of your renewal, typically 2-3 months prior, to schedule a personalized meeting. During this consultation, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Navigate Cyber Applications: We will guide you through the cyber application process, ensuring all necessary information is accurately completed for a smooth renewal.
  • Address Recommendations: If you have received cybersecurity recommendations, we will be on hand to clarify any questions and assist in implementing these essential enhancements.

Click HERE for a description of Cyber Security Service FREE to our NYMIR Cyber Members*

Nominating Committee Appointed to Fill Second Vice President Vacancy

NYCOM President Mayor Kathy Sheehan has appointed the Nominating Committee for 2024 to fill the vacancy in the office of Second Vice President. Under the city-village alternating provisions in our by-laws, the Second Vice President nominated and elected this year must be a VILLAGE mayor. 

Questions regarding this process can be directed to NYCOM Executive Director Barbara Van Epps at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (518) 463-1185

State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) NEU Update and Webinars

The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) has updated the frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program to further clarify the “obligation” requirement. There is no action required at this time; however, recipients will note that Treasury is extending the reporting deadline for estimated costs associated with certain administrative and legal requirements, as described below.

Among other items, these FAQs contain three important clarifications:

  • First, Treasury considers an interagency agreement to constitute an obligation for purposes of the SLFRF rule if the agreement satisfies certain conditions.
  • Second, Treasury considers a recipient to have incurred an obligation with respect to personnel costs for an employee through December 31, 2026, to the extent the employee is serving in a position that was established and filled prior to December 31, 2024.
  • Third, Treasury is clarifying how recipients may cover cost increases associated with contracts or subawards entered into by December 31, 2024.

Treasury will host recipient webinars on May 8 and 9, 2024 to further explain these and other clarifications. Recipients are strongly encouraged to attend one of these two webinars; the same material will be presented on each date. Recipients may use the links below to register for a webinar:

May 8, 2024 (10:00-11:30a.m.)

Registration: https://ustreasury.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_WEQWKZEDQp2eLViOOCBR6w


May 9, 2024
 (1:00-2:30p.m.)

Registration: https://ustreasury.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_9QFrQzW6R5GNoTtetksehg

As a reminder, recipients are considered to have incurred an obligation by December 31, 2024, with respect to a requirement under federal law or regulation or a provision of the SLFRF award terms and conditions to which the recipient becomes subject as a result of receiving or expending SLFRF funds. Recipients may submit to Treasury an estimate of SLFRF funds that it will use to cover such costs. Recipients are not required to submit estimates for all administrative costs associated with their projects; rather, they must submit an estimate if they want to cover such costs using SLFRF funds that they would otherwise have to return to Treasury after 2024 as unobligated. In these FAQs, Treasury is extending the deadline for recipients to report this estimate of costs to meet legal and administrative requirements to July 31, 2024, for quarterly reporters, or April 30, 2025, for annual reporters.

U.S. Treasury Webinar on ARPA Reporting


PORTAL DEMONSTRATION AND OVERVIEW OF SLFRF REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

For specific questions, please email directly toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PROPOSED UPDATED OSHA FIRE BRIGADE STANDARD

UNFUNDED MANDATE & LIABILITY EXPOSURE

The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed significant changes to the OSHA Fire Brigade Standard (1910.156). If approved in its current form, the rule will impact all fire departments (volunteer, combination, and paid) across New York and the country.

The 608 page document released by OSHA outlining the proposed changes would incorporate costly health and safety standard mandates and expose municipal fire departments to litigation and costly settlements. This one size fits all approach could cripple already fiscally strapped departments and further negatively impact the recruitment and retention efforts of struggling volunteer fire departments. NYCOM fully supports measures that will protect responder safety. However, there needs to be a balanced approach that takes into consideration the realities of each department.

OSHA’s proposed changes has been published in the Federal Register and has a 90-day comment period that closes on May 6, 2024. The time to act is now. NYCOM is currently working with the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (www.fasny.com), the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York (www.afdsny.org) and other fire service organizations in a united effort to get the comment period extended to allow for additional time to fully digest and appropriately respond to the proposed rule changes. For more information on this issue, please contact John Mancini, NYCOM Counsel at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The OSHA Emergency Response Standard Proposed Rule Can Be Found Here: Emergency Response Standard; Proposed Rule | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
U.S. Department of Labor Information: Emergency Response Rulemaking | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
Information Webinar By OSHA Training Institute: Webinar: Emergency Response Rule
Federal Register – Submit A Comment: Federal Register :: Emergency Response Standard

EFC ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR $325 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR CRITICAL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

APPLICATIONS DUE BY JUNE 14

Next Grant Round Delivers on Governor Hochul’s Clean Water Funding Commitment and Launches Initiatives Announced at 2024 State of the State Address.

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman today announced the application period is open for $325 million in State grants for critical water infrastructure projects. The next round of the Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grant programs delivers on Governor Kathy Hochul’s clean water funding commitments announced in her 2024 State of the State address, which include a series of changes that benefit small, rural, and disadvantaged communities. This infusion of funds will continue to help make water infrastructure investments more affordable for local governments, strengthen resiliency, protect drinking water, and create jobs in the manufacturing, engineering, construction, plant operations, and related industry sectors.

“State water grants are an essential element of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive efforts to modernize aging infrastructure and uphold New Yorkers’ rights to safe drinking water and a clean, healthy environment,” President & CEO Coleman said. “These investments will help communities undertake vital projects that safeguard public health, protect our abundant natural resources, and bolster local economies.”

Complete eligibility information and application materials are available on EFC’s website at www.efc.ny.gov/wiia, where local governments may also register for a March 4 webinar to learn more about this round of funding and how to apply. Please check the website for dates of any additional webinars or other information that may be posted. Grant applications and required supporting documentation must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 14.

This round boasts improvements announced as part of Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State address to benefit rural and disadvantaged communities, including:

Additional benefits for rural communities. Even with extensive financial support from the State, some municipalities are left passing a large financial burden to their ratepayers. To alleviate this burden on small, rural, and disadvantaged communities, EFC is increasing awards from 25% to 50% for these communities with large projects that will overburden ratepayers. This change will support smaller communities, which often struggle with accessing clean water grants and delivering affordable projects.

Expanding community resources to ensure equitable access to funding opportunities. Small, rural, and disadvantaged communities are particularly impacted by deteriorating water infrastructure, and often do not possess the resources and capacity necessary to advance a project for infrastructure improvement. Governor Hochul is expanding EFC’s Community Assistance Teams program that launched in 2023 to provide essential support for updating New York’s critical water infrastructure. The teams are ready to engage with any community that needs help with its water infrastructure. Communities can request a meeting, register for upcoming webinars, and learn more at efc.ny.gov/cat.

Protecting drinking water. Continuing New York’s national leadership on addressing the threat of PFAS, Governor Hochul is increasing awards for certain emerging contaminant projects from 60% to 70% of net eligible project costs.

APPLY NOW

Freedom of Information Law & Open Meetings Law: Virtual Information Sessions

Kristin O’Neill, Deputy Director and Counsel for the Committee on Open Government, will be presenting a virtual Freedom of Information Law information session on Monday, May 6, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and a virtual Open Meetings Law Law information session on Monday, May 6, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. You are welcome to sign up for one or both programs. Continuing Education Credit not provided. The programs will consist of a one-hour overview of the statute, followed by 30 minutes of a question-and-answer period. Pre-registration is required, however, all registrations will be automatically approved. You will receive a confirmation email from WebEx with instructions for joining the session. If you do not see the confirmation e-mail, please check your spam or junk folder. Committee staff is not able to provide WebEx technical support.

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2024 (10:00 A.M.)

Freedom of Information Law Information Session

REGISTER HERE!

 

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2024 (2:00 P.M.)

Open Meetings Law Information Session

REGISTER HERE!


IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND LIVE, THE PROGRAMS WILL BE RECORDED AND AVAILABLE HERE WITHIN A WEEK OF THE PROGRAM. 

ELIGIBLE TAXPAYERS CAN FILE THEIR TAXES ONLINE FOR FREE

FILE NOW WITH IRS DIRECT FILE

Spread the word to your residents! This month, the IRS launched Direct File, a new service that enables people to file their taxes directly with the IRS online for free. It’s safe and easy to use – with no fees or surprises! Direct File is available in English and Spanish, works on a mobile device as well as it does on tablets and personal computers, and includes dedicated support from IRS customer service specialists. New York is one of the 12 pilot states where Direct File is available this year!  Initial users have saved hundreds of dollars and reported that it is simple and straightforward to use.

Click HERE for more details about this new service.

NYCOM Elected Officials Academy

The Elected Officials Academy (EOA) is NYCOM’s two-tiered program that facilitates and recognizes the educational and leadership accomplishments of elected city and village officials.

There is no question that New York’s municipal officials are facing serious challenges in their leadership roles -- how to do more with less money, and how to govern through these fiscal times while maintaining a positive outlook and move your community forward. Your efforts to lead in these trying times are more important than ever before and need to be recognized. NYCOM’s new Elected Officials Academy is designed to respond to the current problems you face, and offers expanded educational opportunities for elected officials. A broad array of programming is offered to mayors, councilmembers, trustees and elected administrative officials as an opportunity to expand your knowledge and expertise. All elected officials from NYCOM’s member cities and villages are invited to participate.

By successfully completing both levels of the Academy, you will be recognized by NYCOM for your achievement. Of even greater importance is the fact that your community will benefit from the education and experience you gain. Your acceptance of the challenge of learning will better equip you to fulfill the important responsibility of public service. You will be able to demonstrate to your community and peers the leadership competence necessary to carry out your duties as an elected municipal official.

Click HERE for details and enrolllment

ILLEGAL CANNABIS BUSINESSES AND MUNICIPAL ENFORCEMENT: WEBINAR


THE WHAT, WHERE, AND HOW OF CANNABIS LAW 16-A CIVIL
(12/7/23 | 1-2:30 P.M.)

With a continued focus on collaboration and coordination the New York State Office of Cannabis Management in partnership with the New York State Attorney General -this webinar will educate state government officials, corporation counsel, country attorneys and local government on how to bring and maintain a civil proceeding against any place of business, within their respective municipalities, whereby medical cannabis, adult-use cannabis, cannabis product, cannabinoid hemp, hemp extract products, or any products marketed or labeled as such, are cultivated, processed, stored, distributed or sold by any person without a registration, license, or permit from the Office of Cannabis Management.

To register for the webinar, please click here: https://meetny-broadcast-pilot.webex.com/weblink/register/r2a4616bfd5a20569413b2f7ccf06f8b7

Fall 2023 In-Person Taking the Bench Certification Course

Newly Elected & Appointed Justices
December 11, 12 13, 14, 15

The Taking the Bench program will be held at the Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel, 600 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12211.

Registration must be done online and the information regarding same is contained in the attached. Registration will open on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 and will close on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 12:00 pm.

REGISTRATION AND COURSE DETAILS

Local Government Achievement Award Application for 2024

GET RECOGNIZED!
Apply Now for NYCOM's Local Government Achievement Award
APPLICATION DEADLINE: ***EXTENDED** TO THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2024

The New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials (NYCOM) is committed to highlighting municipal successes and sharing innovative projects and programs you have undertaken in your communities.

NYCOM’s Local Government Achievement Awards showcase innovative projects and programs undertaken by NYCOM member cities and villages that have improved quality-of-life,​ resulted in cost savings,​ established cooperative partnerships, created new or unique approaches to issues, and/or streamlined the delivery of services. 

Winning submissions will be recognized at NYCOM’s 115th Annual Meeting at the Sagamore Hotel (May 15-17, 2024) and highlighted in an upcoming issue of NYCOM’s Municipal Matters magazine.

Questions regarding the program and/or transmitting the application should be directed to Eileen Silva​ at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at (518) 463-1185.

View Application

Municipal Matters Magazine Vol. 5, No. 4

HIGHLIGHTS

NYCOM's municipal matters quarterly magazine (Vol. 5, No. 4) is available to download in full for NYCOM Members only. 

If you would like to view a sneak peak of articles included in this issue of the Municipal Matters, please click on one of the highlighted articles listed here:

Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2)

FREE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITIES

Click HERE for details on how to assist municipalities with assessing and supporting drinking water source protection programs. The Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2) is a state-run program created to assist municipalities with proactively protecting their drinking water sources. The goal is to help municipalities develop and implement their own unique drinking water source protection plan for the source(s) of their drinking water.

Municipal Matters Magazine Vol. 5, No. 3

HIGHLIGHTS

NYCOM's municipal matters quarterly magazine (Vol. 5, No. 3) is available to download in full for NYCOM Members only. 

If you would like to view a sneak peak of articles included in this issue of the Municipal Matters, please click on one of the highlighted articles listed here:

Syracuse uses ArcGIS Velocity to Take Its GIS to the Next Level
Developing Small Community Tourism
Planning and Conducting a Productive Organizational Meeting

Municipal Matters Magazine Vol. 5, No. 1

SNEAK PEAK

NYCOM's municipal matters quarterly magazine (Vol. 5, No. 1) is available to download in full for NYCOM Members only. 

If you would like to view a sneak peak of articles included in this issue of the Municipal Matters, please click on one of the highlighted articles listed here:

Ensuring Equal Rights: Updating New York's Constitution and Protecting Women's Equality in the 21st Century
The Last Mile is the Longest: Ensuring Broadband Access Throughout Your Community
Local Government Continuity: Hope for the Best, But Plan for the Worst

$225 Million in State Water Grants - September 9th Application Deadline

Governor Hochul has announced the availability of $225 million in grants for critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects through the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grant (IMG) programs. 

LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR:

  • WIIA grant awards that will fund up to 25% of an eligible wastewater project's total cost, up to $25 million.
  • WIIA grant awards that will fund 60% of net eligible project costs for projects that address emerging contaminants above the State determined Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), with no cap on the total award.
  • WIIA grant awards for all other drinking water projects will be awarded up to 60% of net project costs up to a maximum of $5 million.
  • IMG awards that will fund up to 40% of an eligible wastewater or drinking water project for communities that share services, up to $30 million.

NEW ONLINE WIIA/IMG APPLICATION
EFC is now using an online application for WIIA & IMG. The deadline to apply is Sept. 9th by 5 p.m. The application instructions below can help guide you through each section. The digital signature PDF form that is available below must be signed by the highest elected official or the authorized representative for the applicant and submitted via the online application.

WIIA/IMG WEBINARS
There will be two opportunities to learn more about the WIIA/IMG grants and how to use the new online application at webinars scheduled on July 21 at 11 a.m. and Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. Register at the links below.

If you have questions, please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..gov or call 518-402-6924.

Municipal Matters Magazine Vol. 4, No. 4

SNEAK PEAK

NYCOM's municipal matters quarterly magazine (Vol. 4, No. 4) is available to download in full for NYCOM Members only. 

If you would like to view a sneak peak of articles included in this issue of the Municipal Matters, please click on one of the highlighted articles listed here:

Communicating in the Digital Age
How Municipal Leaders Can Help Revitalize Local Economies
For the Record: NYS's Marijuana Regulations and Taxation Act: The Legalization of Adult-Use Cannabis in NY - Part 2

ARPA REPORTING TEMPLATES ARE NOW AVAILABLE

On April 1, 2022, Treasury released the Project and Expenditure Report templates for the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program. The Project and Expenditure Report is due from all SLFRF recipients by April 30, 2022.   A Project and Expenditure Report User Guide is also available to assist in the submission of information.  Treasury's Portal for Recipient Reporting guidance document can be viewed here.

To learn more about the SLFRF program, please visit www.treasury.gov/SLFRPReporting  If you have questions or need additional information, please send an email via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Contact Center phone number provided by the Treasury: (844) 529-9527.

NYCOM Marketing Opportunties

NYCOM NETWORK PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The new and improved NYCOM Network Partnership Program reflects a redesign intended to maximize the benefits for companies and firms working in the municipal marketplace. The consolidated tiers (ROYAL (invite only), GOLDEN, RUBY and SILVER) and their associated benefits now offer a more valuable way for you to share your solutions with local leaders. This collaboration between NYCOM and municipal vendors affords you direct contact with thousands of local official decision makers, while helping NYCOM provide reliable support and training to cities and villages across the state.

Other Marketing Opportunities Available:

  • ADVERTISING IN THE MUNICIPAL MATTERS MAGAZINE
  • EXHIBITING AND SPONSORSHIPS AT OUR MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES
  • LISTING IN THE PRODUCT AND SERVICES ONLINE GUIDE

DETAILS

Job Openings • Items For Sale

Job Openings:

Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, Village of Fairport
Clerk-Treasurer, Village of Nyack
Municipal Finance and Research Specialist, NYCOM
Clerk-Treasurer, Village of Cold Spring

Deputy Clerk, Village of Cold Spring
Town Manager, Town of Canandaigua
Administrator, City of Poughkeepsie
Director of Engineering, City of Lockport
Library Director, Village of Briarcliff Manor
Director of Finance, City of Lockport
Town Comptroller, Town of Greenburgh
Deputy Court Clerk, Village of Northport

Court Clerk, Village of Northport
Manager, City of Ogdensburg

Treasurer, City of Canandaigua
Treasurer, Village of Greenport

Items for Sale:

Village of Spencer NY Fire Truck (asking $55K) 2006 Ford F-550 (mileage 21,200, Darley LSM 750/GPM pump, 6.0 Liter, Diesel, 4x4 manual transmission, 24 ft long | Contact Village office (607) 589-4310| This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• 1993 Seagrave Marauder Pumper (mileage 13,864, Hrs: 676, 500 gal tank) (asking $33K) |  Contact Kim Weltner, V. of Freeport
• Snap-on 95 Anniversary Edition Tool Box (asking $9K)

NYCOM Sign-on Letter to Governor Hochul Calls for Increased Municipal Aid

More than 375 city and village leaders have signed on to NYCOM's letter to Governor Hochul requesting a $210 million increase in municipal aid in the 2022-23 Executive Budget. NYCOM is urging Governor Hochul to continue the AIM program at its $715 million level, but also provide for a $210 million increase in municipal aid via a new program we are calling the "Municipal Investment Initiative." 

VIEW LETTER (updated 1-4-22)

96th President of the NYS Conference of Mayors

Mayor Francis X. Murray of the Village of Rockville Centre has become the 96th President of the New York State Conference Mayors, effective January 1, 2022.

“I am very proud to accept the presidency of the New York State Conference of Mayors,” said Mayor Murray. "I look forward to leading our village and city membership in pursuing increased state aid and protection of local home rule, as we strive to make our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. On behalf of our entire association, I want to thank former Mayor Richard David of the City of Binghamton for his steadfast leadership as he concludes his term as NYCOM President."

National Civic League’s 2022 All-America City Awards

Now accepting applications for the 2022 All-America City Award

The 2022 All-America City Awards are being co-convened with the Campaign for Grade-Level reading and will focus on Housing as a Platform for Early School Success and Equitable Learning Recovery. Cities, counties, towns and tribes can submit a letter of intent by January 10th to receive $100 off of their application fee. Applications are due March 1st. Leaders from local government, schools, nonprofits, community foundations, libraries, chambers of commerce and youth have all led their communities to win the All-America City Award. Unlike any other event, the All-America City Experience provides participants with lasting connections with community members and peers across the country, in-depth learning opportunities, and fun, energizing events!

APPLY NOW

U.S. Senate Passes Bill to Expand Flexibility in Use of ARPA Funds

Last week the U.S. Senate -- thanks to the efforts of New York Senator and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer -- passed by unanimous consent S. 3011, the "State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act." This bill is a stand-alone version of an amendment led by Senators Cornyn and Padilla during negotiations on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This bill, which NYCOM supports, would clarify that highway and public transportation projects are an eligible expenditure for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. If passed, states and localities would be able to spend the greater of either up to 30% of their SLFRF allocation, or $10 million, on qualifying infrastructure projects. The change does not allow for spending on transit operating expenses. Please review this summary of the bill for further details.

 The bill has now been sent to the House for their consideration. It still needs to pass the House and be signed by the President in order to become law.

$85 Million Available

Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing Grant (PRO Housing)

The latest grant opportunity, Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO), will award grants of up to $10 million to local governments that have documented significant housing needs and can demonstrate they have taken steps to identify, address, or remove barriers to affordable housing production and preservation. A total of $85 million is available through PRO Housing this year. The application deadline is October 30, 2023, at 11:59pm ET (8:59pm PT) on Grants.gov.