NLC Statement on Launch of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Program

Washington, D.C. – Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities (NLC) issued the following statement following the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act: 

“Cities, towns and villages are now one step closer to accessing the funds they need to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, the Treasury guidance puts local governments in the driver’s seat, giving them direct access to funds along with the flexibility to use them as they see fit, from helping small businesses recover and supporting vaccine programs to restarting capital infrastructure projects and putting laid-off and furloughed employees back to work. Critically, these funds will also help communities address the longstanding, underlying issues that resulted in disproportionate health and economic declines for low-wage workers and minority communities throughout the pandemic. 

“As municipal governments begin to apply for funding in the coming days and weeks, NLC will continue to be a go-to resource for all cities, towns and villages to help navigate and clarify the rules of the program. NLC will also submit formal comments to the Interim Final Rule in response to questions posed in the guidance.”  

Visit NLC’s resource hub for the latest tools, resources and events to support the local response and relief efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic.