Since the start of the pandemic, the federal government has excluded most cities from receiving direct aid to support city operations. While Washington cities did receive a share of federal CARES Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) from the State, by action of the Governor, these funds are severely restricted in the way they can be spent to support cities and local communities.

Unfortunately, some members of Congress and the Administration are publicly claiming that cities do not need additional funding because cities have not been spending CRF funds quickly enough. They believe that proposed additional flexibility in the way CRF funds can be spent is sufficient to keep cities running, despite reduced revenues.

These are dangerous misinterpretations of the current situation and we need your help to correct it. Additional direct federal support to cities is not “a bailout,” as some suggest.

We ask you to reach out to your members of Congress (Senate, House) today to insist the next stimulus package include funding for local and state government. Please share:

• How you are spending CARES funds to support city operations and critical community services.
• How the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown has impacted your city’s finances and operations.
• Why your city needs additional federal funds to ensure the continuation of city services.

With your help, we can secure critical federal funds for cities of all sizes and ensure that our communities remain safe, prosperous, and enjoyable places to live.

An overview of the two main proposals – the HEROES Act and the HEALS Act – is available here.

Take action today!

For more information, please contact Peter King or Jacob Ewing.