Welcome to the Friday Update from the Federal Funding Hub!
The purpose of this message is to share information so that our region can make the most of the opportunities under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
We are pleased to share the Federal Funding Hub website with you. This site helps local governments and their partners to connect and learn more about opportunities related to ARPA. The site will continue to evolve and grow, and we look forward to your ideas for additional features.
Upcoming Deadlines
The EDA Good Jobs Challenge Application is extended until February 10th.
Applicants for EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance are encouraged to apply by January 31st.
Federal Funding News - National
State and local governments gained new flexibility and further clarity with how they can use ARPA funding, under a final rule that the U.S. Treasury Department issued. You can find an overview of the rule here.
Over a third of the new money for transit and other infrastructure needs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will be awarded in the form of competitive grants, meaning cities with the capacity to draft eye-catching proposals will get the most attention.
Federal Funding News – Minnesota
If your organizations have RFPs, press releases, or other information related to ARPA to be shared in this newsletter on the website, please contact Jocelyn Jimenez at jocelyn.jimenez@greatermsp.org.
The Governor's Council on Economic Expansion reconvened earlier this week to work towards Phase II recommendations for allocating state ARPA funds.
As a finalist in U.S. EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge, our partnership has an ambitious vision to create the Bold North BioInnovation Cluster to help bring new jobs to the region, spur innovation and drive inclusive economic growth.
Resources
Brookings’ Job Mobility and Smart Growth Toolkit is an open-source toolkit to help policymakers and companies create customized growth plans that expand opportunities for workers.
Webinars
Join the launch of the Regional Housing Affordability Dashboard on January 19th from 8-9AM CST! This new resource aims to track how Twin Cities is doing on overall housing affordability to maintain and restore our region’s advantage.
Join Stats America on January 25th at 12PM CST to learn about the revamped "Measuring Distress" tool. It's an easy way to find out whether a Census tract, county or region may meet grant thresholds for unemployment and income.
Be in Touch
Please reach out with questions and ideas regarding federal funding in our region. Also, let me know if you know someone who wants to be added to this list. Have a great weekend, all!
Allison