ICYMI: Ahead of State of the Union, Mayors Across the Country Tout Local Impacts of President Biden's Investing in America Agenda

Ahead of President Biden's State of the Union address tonight, mayors from across the country penned op-eds in local newspapers highlighting the impact his Investing in America agenda continues to have on their cities. Thanks to unprecedented levels of funding to address longstanding infrastructure needs, improve public safety and build a more sustainable future, American families are experiencing the benefits of the President's vision to invest in America.

See below for highlights:

Cleveland.com: Opinion: The state of our city is stronger because of President Biden
[Mayor Justin Bibb, 3/6/24]
"Cleveland received the eighth largest ARPA allocation among major cities in the United States. Over the past two years, we've deployed $512 million in funds to bring new jobs to Cleveland, revitalize our housing stock, bridge the digital divide, solve our lead crisis and address public safety… I know firsthand that the state of our city is stronger because of Joe Biden. I'm reminded every time I see ARPA dollars at work – making Cleveland safer, healthier, and prepared for the future."

Atlanta Voice: Opinion: Atlanta wins with solid policy like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law…we need congress working together again
[Mayor Andre Dickens, 3/6/24]
"The Biden-Harris Administration wasted no time when coming into office and began working with Congress to direct much-needed funds to cities and counties so we could put them to use expeditiously—and we did just that…Every opportunity I have to talk with other mayors from around the country, whether they're from a large urban center or a small rural area, an overwhelming majority agree that federal funding from laws like BIL and the American Rescue Plan Act have benefitted—and in some cases saved—the lives of our residents."

AL.com: Opinion: Biden's 'Investing in America' agenda making lasting impact
[Mayor Randall Woodfin, 3/6/24]
"[I]t would be grossly unfair not to acknowledge the huge role played by the Biden Administration… President Biden's investments in America have made and will continue to make a huge impact in cities and counties across Alabama. These are generational investments that are letting us catch up on long-overdue upgrades to our infrastructure, improve our neighborhoods, and empower our greatest asset, our people."

Boston Globe: Opinion: With local, state and federal partners, Providence is becoming a top destination to live, work and visit
[Mayor Brett Smiley, 3/6/24]
"President Biden has been an invaluable player in Providence's success story. Under his 'Investing in America' agenda, Providence has welcomed a historic surge in federal funding to rebuild our aging infrastructure, invest in our communities, support climate solutions and create good-paying jobs… Since taking office in 2021, President Biden spearheaded the passage of landmark legislation that has supported communities in every corner of Rhode Island, and is putting this country and our city back on the right track."

Independent Florida Alligator: Opinion: Federal funding saves lives in Gainesville
[Mayor Harvey Ward, 3/6/24]
"Southeast Gainesville residents — and neighbors across our entire city and region — will be directly healed, employed and generally served for decades to come because of the opportunities provided by ARPA and BIL funding programs created and implemented by the Biden administration… I want you to be aware not only that [these funding programs] exist, but that your city government is seeking them aggressively and implementing them with great care and intentionality. These are your federal tax dollars at work right here in your community, saving and changing lives every day."

Talk Business & Politics: Opinion: Federal dollars yield results for Little Rock
[Mayor Frank Scott, 3/7/24]
"Over the last three years, we achieved transformational results for our residents through funding and support from President Biden's Investing in America agenda…Through programs funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, we have met head-on the challenges of a post-Covid economy.... Indeed, we are reaping results from these historic investments in our city and its residents."

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Opinion: Lead pipes can poison families. How my Wisconsin city is tackling the danger.
[Mayor Katie Rosenberg, 3/7/24]
"Our cities [haven't eradicated the problem of lead pipes] yet, but with President Joe Biden's "Investing in America" agenda, we are going to make it happen. Now that the funding and legislation is in place, it is incumbent on us as elected officials to ensure we seize on this moment to maximize the opportunity to finally eradicate this longstanding public health concern that has ravaged our most vulnerable communities and populations for far too long.

The Advocate: Opinion: How Baton Rouge used infrastructure funds
[Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, 3/6/24]
"[P]rogress [in improving our infrastructure] stems from collaborative and bipartisan efforts, notably with the support of the Biden administration, which has been instrumental in funding key initiatives...These efforts reflect our administration's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Baton Rouge residents, showcasing the power of collaboration with the Biden administration and our congressional delegation in driving tangible, positive change in our community."

Knoxville News: Opinion: Government investment in city pays quality-of-life dividends
[Mayor Indya Kincannon, 3/7/24]
"Over the past four years, our local efforts have received a huge boost thanks to President Joe Biden and members of Congress…The collaboration between our city and the federal government serves as a testament to what can be achieved when leaders work together with a shared vision of progress and prosperity. Thank you, President Biden and Congress, for investing in Knoxville and for investing in America."