Report: Infrastructure is Mayoral Priority

The Top⁣ Concern of American Mayors: Infrastructure

The⁣ recent report reveals that infrastructure is the top⁢ concern of American⁢ mayors. This indicates that local officials understand the consequences of neglecting infrastructure while ‌addressing ⁤other needs. According to one of the report’s ⁢authors, Farhad Omeyr ⁢of the National League ‍of⁣ Cities (NLC) Center for Research and Data, “Infrastructure has always been the sacrificial lamb.”

The NLC‍ released its ⁣10th​ annual “State⁤ of the Cities” report on July 21 during a panel discussion in Tacoma, Washington.

Mr. Omeyr‌ mentioned⁤ that infrastructure​ has been the top priority for America’s ‌mayors for the past three years. Previously, economic ‍development held the top spot, but‍ as city systems age‌ and federal ​funding becomes available, mayors have elevated infrastructure as ‌a spending ⁤priority.

Improving infrastructure⁢ will not only facilitate economic development but also other priorities, according to Mr. Omeyr.

“Infrastructure is the capstone of economic development,” he said.

The $550 ⁤billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) of⁣ 2021‍ has made it possible for many ⁤cities to address‍ long-neglected infrastructure needs, according ​to Mr. Omeyr and other panelists. The five-year plan funds various sectors such as roads, bridges, transit, water, broadband, ​and resilience.

Mayor⁣ Victoria Woodards ​of Tacoma, Washington, shared that her city‍ used BIL funding to remove all lead pipes from its municipal water system. She emphasized that infrastructure is often ⁣neglected ​because⁢ it isn’t visible.

Ms. Woodards also expressed her desire ‍to improve city‌ offices, fire and police stations, and other workspaces to ensure ⁢the safety of workers.

Eddie Sundquist,⁣ mayor of Jamestown, ⁣New York, echoed the appreciation for federal assistance. He highlighted the need to fix decades of noninvestment in maintaining state roads that run⁢ through cities.

Another notable ⁢change observed in the ​report is the role of climate change in decision-making. Mayor Cassie Franklin of⁤ Everett, Washington, stated that her ‍town plans to transition ⁤buildings ⁣away ⁢from fossil fuels‍ and prioritize greenhouse gas reductions.

The report emphasizes the ⁢importance of climate-resilient⁢ infrastructure​ that can withstand extreme weather⁢ events predicted⁣ by scientists. Investing⁤ in resilience not⁤ only ensures safety but⁤ also ​saves money in the long term ​by preventing repair costs and service ​disruptions.

According to data from the NLC, the top 10 infrastructure ‍issues⁤ listed by mayors include streets‍ and bridges, water systems, sewer systems/storm water drainage, public utility⁣ (power), water treatment and reclamation,⁣ parks and recreation areas,⁤ bridges, public‍ buildings,‍ public utility (broadband), and public transit.

Infrastructure Often Overlooked

Mr. Omeyr agrees that infrastructure often gets overlooked because it isn’t⁢ always visible. City leaders⁢ have competing demands that may seem more immediate.​ He suggests making bipartisan infrastructure laws ⁢a continuous budget ⁤item to address this constraint.

“Cities are‌ constrained with their ‌budgets. So, I believe things such​ as a ⁤bipartisan infrastructure law should⁢ be a ⁢continuous thing, not⁣ a ⁣one-time thing,” Mr.