Local Infrastructure Hub launches, announces first wave of programming

The Local Infrastructure Hub, a portal created by a joint venture between a group of philanthropic organizations in collaboration with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities (NLC) and Results for America, has rolled out an in-depth online resource center, a national grant opportunity finder, and a calendar of virtual convenings with experts to help guide cities through accessing funding from the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Created through a $55 million investment led by Bloomberg Philanthropies along with Ballmer Group, Emerson Collective, Ford Foundation and the Kresge Foundation, the hub offers information on the nearly 400 funding opportunities available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. NLC will offer technical assistance to small towns and mid-size cities in developing strong applications for grant opportunities, while the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Results for America will lead informative webinars to help cities identify the right grant opportunities, get guidance about application criteria and timeframes, and learn about infrastructure innovations and emerging best practices.

Additional program partners include the African American Mayors Association (AAMA), National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), National Urban League and Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN). These organizations will contribute additional content, expertise and support to communities through the effort.

Tools on the hub site include the Opportunity Finder, which is a federal grant navigation tool powered by eCivis that allows cities to search for infrastructure grant opportunities that best align with their needs. Cities will be able to apply for technical assistance through the site starting on Aug. 12, 2022.

Also live is a Content Calendar featuring future virtual convenings that will be hosted by mayros and city leaders. Convenings will include Big Grant Opportunity Sessions, Delivering Results Workshops and Tech and Innovation Center sessions.

During the virtual convening to launch the hub, Tom Cochran CEO and executive director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, commented on the opportunity for cities, saying, “at the end of last year, President Biden and Congressional leaders came together and passed a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—something we thought might never happen—and cities today now have a real law with real money–$1.2 trillion. Through his leadership and vision, Mike Bloomberg, along with Bloomberg Philanthropies have created the Local Infrastructure Hub to help cities access these funds. And by assembling a team of funders including Ballmer, Emerson, Ford and Kresge, we now have the resources needed to help cities of all sizes benefit from the Infrastructure Law.”