Federal Funding
New research shows that some U.S. communities are much better than others at attracting grants and financing for community development—even after adjusting for relative need. The numbers are clear, but the reasons for the disparity may not be.
Shelterforce
A strong economy can lead to a lack of affordable housing and a lack of affordable housing can lead to higher rates of homelessness. But a stronger economy can also disqualify regions from federal support for homelessness.
KUOW
The city council approved funding for a new streetcar line, but cost increases mean the project is behind schedule and federal funds could be in jeopardy.
The Seattle Times
A proposed rail line would run from downtown Portland, Oregon, to the suburbs. The budget has increased significantly, and many funding and project scope questions remain.
Oregon Live
U.S. coastal cities need to prepare for the effects of climate change, but the pot of funding is limited. There’s no way around the fact that there will be winners and there will be losers.
The New York Times
President Trump has not been a friend to the $30 billion Gateway Program, a transportation project meant to replace aging rail infrastructure connecting New York and New Jersey.
Yahoo Finance
A plan to save money on highway megaprojects is likely to backfire, experts warn.
Urban Milwaukee
A federal funding program for city parks means green space for communities but also brings many social and economic benefits.
Governing
The Low- or No-Emission (Low-No) Grant program has awarded funding to encourage the "deployment of transit buses and infrastructure that use advanced propulsion technologies."
Smart Cities Dive
The temporary ban applies to bus and rail projects seeking funding from a number of FTA programs.
Eno Transportation Weekly
Applications for the Pilot Program for TOD Planning are due July 23, 2018.
Eno Transportation Weekly
Missed among the coverage of the federal Omnibus Bill on Friday of last week: a long-awaited expansion of the Low Income Tax Credit.
Globe St.
The Summerhill Bus Rapid Transit Project—on track to become the first bus rapid transit line in the state of Georgia—received a critical bath of funding from the federal government this week in the form of a $12.6 million TIGER grant.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Trump Administration signaled a desire to scrap a funding program that helped fund transit, pedestrian, and bike infrastructure. A new program likely focused on rural and toll roads could take its place.
Streetsblog USA
Taking cues from the Trump Administration's recently-released infrastructure plan, the government intends to use a public-private partnership model to take on social challenges.
CityLab
Expect more cities and transit agencies around the country to wrestle with funding quandaries if the Trump Administration gets its way with existing capital investment grants.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
2018 could finally reveal how the federal government will approach transit funding in the Trump era. Or the status quo could continue.
theTransportPolitic
The U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 3017 last week, which would extend the U.S. EPA brownfields through 2022.
Smart Growth America
The WIFIA federal loans program provides start-up capital to local water infrastructure projects. The program is designed to encourage experimentation and cost-effective construction strategies.
Brookings
Risk-management experts are seeking creative ways to finance resilience investments that prevent damage from natural disasters. Insurance markets, with their direct stake in protecting homes and businesses, can be key partners in this effort.
Doggerel
