* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Ramos
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act - Inflation Reduction Act
For the purpose of inviting representatives from the Office of the City Administrator, the Mayor’s Office of Infrastructure Development, the Bureau of Budget, Management and Research, the Department of Finance, the Department of Public Works, and the Department of Transportation to come before the City Council to detail the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, to describe how the City is positioned to apply for and receive funds from all possible sources for critical projects, to explain the application process for all potential funding sources, to discuss the need for partnership with and outreach to regional and local partners in government, business, and community, and to present plans for reporting progress to the City Council and the public.
body
In November of 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more recently the Inflation Reduction Act in August of 2022.
Both pieces of legislation provide an opportunity for millions of dollars to come into Baltimore City for critical infrastructure projects. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has over 375 programs for which jurisdictions can apply for building and repairing infrastructure, addressing climate change, and promoting an economic recovery. Forty percent of programs must go to communities that have been traditionally disinvested, and Baltimore City qualifies as one of those communities.
The Inflation Reduction Act provides funding for reducing energy costs, investing in electric vehicle infrastructure, and investing in zero waste infrastructure.
Unlike the American Recovery Program Act (ARPA), most of the federal dollars available through these programs are available through an application process by local jurisdictions and states, and may require a local funding matches. There are limited dollars sent to Baltimore through formula funding.
Baltimore is at a critical life stage where we must address aging infrastructure, equitable development, zero waste infrastructure, green manufacturing, unemployment, and public transit if we want to see our City break from its recent challenging history. These federal dollars will help us in addressing these issues and others.
Baltimore residents deserve transparency around how Baltimore will apply for and position itself to take advantage of all the funds for which we are eligible. The Baltimore City Council wants to be a partner in identifying projects as well as engaging residents in this process.
The Baltimore City Council requests the Director of the Office of Infrastructure to come before the Council to report on the following items:
1. the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act;
2. which funds the City will apply for;
3. which projects the City is prioritizing organized by Council district, and separately by responsible agency;
4. what information will be reported back to the federal government after funds are awarded;
5. what information will be reported to the City Council during the project selection and application process, during the award process, and during the life of the award;
6. the outreach strategy to develop partnerships with regional and local governments, business, and communities; and
7. how the City will facilitate local organizations to apply for funding, as applicable.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council invites representatives from the Office of the City Administrator, the Mayor’s Office of Infrastructure Development, the Bureau of Budget, Management and Research, the Department of Finance, the Department of Public Works, and the Department of Transportation to come before the City Council to detail the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, to describe how the City is positioned to apply for and receive funds from all possible sources for critical projects, to explain the application process for all potential funding sources, to discuss the need for partnership with and outreach to regional and local partners in government, business, and community, and to present plans for reporting progress to the City Council and the public.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the City Administrator, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Infrastructure Development, the Director of the Bureau of Budget, Management and Research, the Director of the Department of Finance, the Interim Director of the Department of Public Works, the Interim Director of the Department of Transportation, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.