Government Contracting Pipeline
2025 Archive
Arkansas invests $575M in water infrastructure through new laws
Three new pieces of legislation in Arkansas were recently signed into law, which the state said represent a $575 million investment into its water infrastructure. The new legislation includes Act 736, allowing more private entities to convert to public water...
Report: Maine schools need $11B in upgrades
Maine’s public schools require $11 billion to renovate, replace and modernize school facilities, a new report finds. The state-led Commission on School Construction has released an interim summary of the new and existing needs of Maine’s public schools, facilities and...
Ohio invests $320M in transportation projects to reduce congestion
Ohio is funding projects that reduce traffic congestion and improve access to multimodal transportation options throughout the state. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is announcing nearly $320 million in funding for transportation projects through the...
Colorado’s $43.9B budget prioritizes health care, education
Colorado is prioritizing funding for infrastructure, higher education and health care in a new budget for fiscal year (FY) 2025-26. The state’s General Assembly has approved a new spending plan to support the government’s operations, agencies and services, which...
Council approves Elmwood Park Zoo’s $150M transformation plan
Future enhancements to Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania, were given the green light after the region's council members voted unanimously to authorize conditional use approval of the zoo’s master plan. The council members voted 6-0 with Councilwoman Jasmine...
Tennessee’s $59.8B budget boosts schools, disaster relief
Tennessee lawmakers have passed a comprehensive budget for fiscal year (FY) 2025-2026, which includes new financial support for emerging state needs, disaster relief and modernizations to aging infrastructure. Tennessee’s new budget, approved by the state’s general...
Profiles in Power: Brad White
Brad White Executive Director, Mississippi Department of Transportation My career highlights and education: I have had the pleasure to serve as a chief of staff four times—once for a governor, twice for U.S. senators and once for the Mississippi Department of Audit....
New York opens applications for $644M in broadband funding
New York has opened the application period for nearly $644 million in funding for projects to expand access to broadband across the state. Applications are due by May 5. The funding will be available through the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD)...
Wisconsin distributes $108M for local transportation
Counties and cities across Wisconsin are set to receive more than $108 million for transportation infrastructure maintenance and improvements in the second quarter, Gov. Tony Evers said. Local governments in Wisconsin are slated to receive more than $540 million in...
DOGE reportedly takes reins of $500B grants.gov platform
The Trump administration is reevaluating a long-standing online platform for federal grants: grants.gov. The online government platform posts and manages over $500 billion in grants annually. The platform provides funding opportunities for municipalities,...
States form alliance to accelerate nuclear energy deployment
A coalition of 11 states is pushing forward to be leaders of America's nuclear energy renaissance. The Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative, launched through a partnership between the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and the U.S. Department of...
California invests $170M to combat wildfires, fast-track projects
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation investing an additional $170 million to prevent catastrophic wildfires through the support of forest and vegetation management projects which are critical to protecting communities from wildfire. He also issued an...
Coal power gets regulatory relief under new White House plan
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing temporary regulatory exemptions to some coal-fired power plants, under formal proclamation of the Trump administration. The proclamation, issued by the White House this month, will delay certain coal-fired...
$1.2B in road and bridge work planned for Northeast Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) shared its plans for the 2025 construction season in District 4. The district in northeastern Pennsylvania, comprised of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties, will see 52 new...
Federal judge orders release of frozen climate project funds
A federal judge in Rhode Island is requiring the Trump administration to release billions of dollars that have already been obligated to climate resilience and infrastructure projects around the nation. The nationwide injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Mary...
New innovation office to streamline Pennsylvania county services
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, has launched a new department dedicated to improving service delivery, resource optimization and community service. The Office of Innovation, Strategy and Performance (OISP) will oversee operational excellence, prioritizing work that...
Budget reconciliation reshapes transportation funding future
As federal lawmakers reconcile a new budget for fiscal year 2025 (FY25) and beyond, a flurry of budget and tax cuts will highlight the next year of federal U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funding. As priorities shift, reevaluating the FY25 transportation...
UW-La Crosse plans $58.5M recreation center overhaul
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW-La Crosse) will spend $58.5 million to renovate its recreation center. Construction on the Mitchell Hall renovation project is expected to begin in May 2028. The project will prioritize: Replacing the building’s HVAC system...
Profiles in Power: Jennifer Cowley, Ph.D.
Jennifer Cowley, Ph.D. President, The University of Texas at Arlington My public career highlights and education: I’ve been UTA’s president since 2022 as well as a professor of public affairs and planning. I previously held leadership positions at the University of...
Alabama opens $1.4B BEAD grant applications for rural broadband expansion
Grant applications are open through May 22 for Alabama’s $1.4 billion allocation from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The initiative, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), targets last-mile...
Report: Higher education facilities face growing maintenance backlog
Higher education institutions slowed campus renovations and capital spending in 2024, a new report finds. Construction data and research firm Gordian is unveiling the next installment of The State of Facilities in Higher Education—a comprehensive needs-based analysis...
Florida governor names new appointees to Florida higher education boards
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made a series of sweeping appointments to multiple Boards of Trustees (BOT) across the state’s higher education systems. A notable appointment to the state’s education leadership is Paul Renner to the Board of Governors of the State...
New AI oversight initiatives gain momentum in state legislatures
Creating and strengthening task forces focused on artificial intelligence is the latest trend at state legislatures across the country. Whether building on previous efforts or initiating something new, the most recent legislative pushes in West Virginia, Illinois and...
Maine plan directs $3.4B to transportation infrastructure
Maine is planning billions of dollars for infrastructure projects to improve, maintain and modernize the state’s transportation system over the next three years. The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has unveiled an updated work plan for transportation...
OCTA requests emergency permit to protect Southern California rail line
Southern California’s rail network is facing ongoing threats that could significantly impact vital rail-based travel and safety across the region. Without emergency action from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), the rail service will likely be...
Energy efficiency efforts drive record investment and savings nationwide
State efforts to enhance energy efficiency through dedicated programs are having a noticeable effect on cost-saving measures and pollution reduction. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), states collectively invested $8.8 billion...
State efficiency programs emerge following federal DOGE model
The drive for state efficiency has swept the nation in the wake of the federal Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) efforts to streamline operations and cut costs. While many states have either begun or already launched their own versions of DOGE to reform the...
Wisconsin mental health institute investing $20 million in utility upgrades
The Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) will spend $19.9 million to improve its facilities, prioritizing upgrades to key utilities. Construction is expected to begin in October 2025. The project will be located at MMHI and the Central Wisconsin Center (CWC). Due to...
Profiles in Power – Reyes Medrano, Jr.
Reyes Medrano, Jr. City Manager Tolleson, Arizona My public career highlights and education: I received a master’s degree in educational psychology and human relations from Northern Arizona University. One of my greatest professional joys has been collaborating with...
New York allocates $80 million for climate resilience projects
In an ongoing effort to combat climate change, New York has made $80 million available to support local climate resiliency projects. Selected applicants will receive aid from up to three programs to develop nature-based and green infrastructure projects that will...
Idaho’s legislative session ends with approval of governor’s priority projects
The Idaho Legislature has officially adjourned, resulting in a highly productive session for the state’s goals. The Legislature ended the 2025 session approving 95% of the governor’s Keeping Promises plan, investing in education, tax relief and infrastructure...
Florida announces $389 million for water quality and infrastructure projects
The state of Florida has distributed a total of $389 million across five separate grant programs to fund critical water resource protection projects. Projects receiving funding include efforts to improve water quality infrastructure, ecosystem restoration efforts and...
Nearly $1 billion available for road safety improvement grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will make $982 million available for the next round of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Applications for the latest SS4A grant round are due by June 26, 2025. The Notice of Funding Opportunity...
Michigan approves amendments putting millions into economic development, manufacturing sector
The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF)— a part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) efforts to promote economic development and job creation— has made a series of changes and updates to foster startup innovation, support small businesses and spur the...
Profiles in Power: Brad Dunkle – Deputy CIO, Charlotte North Carolina
My public career highlights and education: I spearheaded Charlotte’s first Citywide Strategic Technology Plan and led the city’s first strategic technology planning process, ensuring alignment between business and technology. I managed a $12 million Technology...
States prioritize critical needs in transportation, water, broadband sectors
Infrastructure is taking the spotlight as multiple governors highlight investments in transportation, broadband and water projects during their State of the State addresses. The American Society of Civil Engineers released a 2025 report card on the state of America’s...
Durham to invest $42 million to improve historical parks
The city of Durham, North Carolina, will use $42 million to make major improvements to two city parks. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction expected to begin in fall 2026. The project will develop the East End and Long Meadow Parks,...
UW-Madison plans $307 million investment in building research facility, parking
The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) will spend $306.9 million to build a research building and parking ramp. Construction is expected to begin in January 2028. As part of the university’s first steps in the West Campus District Plan, the project will...
Defense Department seeks industry partners for $1B microelectronics contract
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking industry partners for a potential $1 billion contract intended to advance and deploy microelectronic technologies across defense systems. As part of an effort called the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), the...
Ohio passes $11 billion transportation budget, emphasizing highway and air mobility safety
After its approval through the Ohio Legislature, Gov. Mike DeWine has officially signed the state’s two-year, $11 billion transportation budget. The budget will go into effect July 1, 2025. The budget places a major emphasis on critical transportation infrastructure...
PANYNJ approves $160 million project to expand bus line accessibility, reliability
On March 27, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners authorized a $160 million project to enhance the Q70 LaGuardia (LGA) Link bus line. With its approval, the authority’s next move will be to procure a construction contract. Once...
Profiles in Power – Dr. Stephanie Deitrick
Dr. Stephanie Deitrick Chief Data and Analytics Officer at the Center for Integrated Data Innovation City of Tempe, Arizona My public career highlights and education: I earned my master’s degree and my doctorate degree from Arizona State University. I spent about a...
DOI, Alaska partner to reopen natural resource opportunities in oil reserves, wildlife refuges
The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Alaska are collaborating to tap into the state’s natural resource potential. The initiative is part of the federal government’s efforts to promote domestic energy development and growth. To leverage...
University of Wisconsin investing $390 million to revitalize historic buildings
The University of Wisconsin (UW) System will spend $389.9 million to make critical repairs, renovations and restorations to historical on-campus buildings. Construction is expected to begin in May 2028. As part of the restoration efforts, the system has evaluated a...
South Carolina school district plans $285 million expenditure to improve campus facilities
Aiken County Public Schools (ACPS) in South Carolina will spend $285 million on an array of improvement projects across five campuses. South Aiken High School suffers from extensive interior deterioration. To address safety and health concerns, the district will...
HUD, DOI create joint task force to identify underutilized federal land for affordable housing development
The U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Interior (DOI) have formed a joint task force to identify federal lands that are ideal locations to build affordable housing. The Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing will lead the combined...
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis makes six appointments, reappointments to university Boards of Trustees
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made sweeping appointments and reappointments to the Boards of Trustees (BOT) for two state universities. Dr. Larry Antonucci was newly appointed to serve on the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) BOT. Antonucci has extensive experience...
LA County plans $56 million investment to improve roadway infrastructure, protect pedestrians
Los Angeles County Public Works (LACPW) will invest $56 million to rehabilitate major roads and enhance pedestrian mobility for underserved communities. Currently in the design phase, construction is expected to begin in 2027. The City Terrace Drive rehabilitation...
Sacramento greenlights $677 million plan to safely connect neighborhoods
The Sacramento City Council has approved a $676.9 million plan to improve connectivity, safety and mobility across the city’s neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Connections Plan details 147 street infrastructure improvement projects. In total, they cover 237 miles of...
Honolulu proposes $5 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026
As part of its proposed $5 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the city of Honolulu will dedicate more than $1.2 billion to capital improvement projects. The funds will be distributed to support and/or advance ongoing improvement projects for public facilities, public...
Profiles in Power – Sam Gaston
Sam Gaston City Manager City of Mountain Brook, Alabama My public career highlights and education: I hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in public administration from Auburn University. My municipal government career includes roles in Decatur, Gulf Shores and...
States pioneer new bills to reinforce cybersecurity infrastructure, policies for public entities
Shoring up the nation’s cybersecurity measures is growing increasingly important to safeguard security at the local, state and federal levels of government. States are introducing new legislation promoting stronger cybersecurity measures by modernizing IT...
New York county receives $26 million to connect rural communities with broadband network
Oswego County, New York, has received $26 million to build an expansive fiber-to-the-home network to bring internet accessibility to nearly 10,800 homes and businesses. The grant is the state’s latest investment to ensure all New York residents have access to...
Durham to build $43 million aquatic center on vacant roller rink land
The city of Durham, North Carolina, will spend $43 million to build an aquatic center. The project is in the design phase, with construction expected to begin in fall 2026. The aquatic center will be located at Merrick-Moore Park, next to the park’s former roller...
Arkansas governor makes flurry of leadership appointments to the state’s university system
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has made an array of appointments to the Board of Trustees (BOT) of several institutions in the Arkansas State University System. Randy Lawson has taken a seat on the University of Arkansas (U of A) BOT, with a term to...
UW-Platteville announces $124 million overhaul of engineering building
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UW-Platteville) will spend $123.7 million to renovate and expand its engineering building. The project will convert the 60-year-old Ottensman Hall into a flexible learning and collaborative facility. Construction is expected to...
Minnesota-based utility company receives green light for integrated resource plan, driving renewable energy innovation
In an ongoing effort to promote sustainable energy and expand its renewable resource portfolio, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved an energy company’s integrated resource plan (IRP). The 2024-2040 Upper Midwest IRP details a portfolio of...
Ohio launches fourth innovation hub to research 3D printing for aerospace, defense manufacturing
Ohio will launch the state’s fourth innovation hub in Youngstown, leveraging $62 million in local, state, federal and private investments to advance aerospace and defense manufacturing technologies. The Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense will research...
Profiles in Power – Felicia Donnelly
Felicia Donnelly City Manager - Oldsmar, Florida My public career highlights and education: With over 30 years of experience in municipal leadership, urban planning, capital projects and policy development, I have worked to shape communities through strategic planning...
NYC invests $390 million in historic neighborhood to improve water infrastructure
New York City (NYC) is investing $390 million as part of an ambitious initiative to upgrade critical infrastructure, alleviate flooding and replace service lines. The funds are part of the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” plan, a foundational effort to provide...
University of Northern Iowa to build $14 million court practice facility
The Iowa Board of Regents recently authorized the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) to build a $14 million court practice facility. Currently in the design phase, construction is expected to begin in late 2025. The McLeod Center, which currently serves as the practice...
California distributes $300 million to make roadways safer for pedestrians
In an effort to reduce traffic deaths and injuries along California’s roadways, the state has allocated almost $300 million to develop and implement safer road designs and amenities. The investments will progress California’s safety initiatives to achieve zero roadway...
Wisconsin school receives approval for $25 million dormitory
The Wisconsin School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will build a $25 million student dormitory. Currently in the design phase, construction is expected to begin in September 2025. The project will consist of a 50,500-square-foot, three-story campus dormitory. The...
Illinois EPA distributes $113 million to improve water, wastewater infrastructure
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released $112.7 million to advance water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Local governments and water districts are the primary funding recipients and will use the grants to support critical efforts to...
Atlanta Regional Commission adopts amendment allocating $272 million to transportation projects and plans
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Board has adopted an amendment to the agency’s transportation and transportation improvement plans. The amendment incorporates $82.7 million from discretionary grants and $164.7 million in additional federal funding. The amendment...
Virginia town proposes $368 million six-year Capital Improvement Program
The town of Leesburg, Virginia, has proposed a six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to allocate $368 million to critical projects from fiscal years 2026 to 2031. There are 12 new projects added to the CIP, bringing the total to 79 projects planned for...
Profiles in Power – LeeAnn Kittle
LeeAnn Kittle Executive Director of Sustainability - Denver Public Schools, Colorado What I like best about my public service is: Growing up with parents who met through social work, I was raised with a deep understanding of the importance of giving back. Their...
Los Angeles to spend $45 million on flood mitigation and regional resiliency projects
Los Angeles County Public Works will invest $45 million to restore a lake and enhance a canyon channel. The projects will be critical in increasing regional resiliency, improving water quality and reducing flood dangers. Currently in the design phase, bidding for...
New foreign adversary policies redefine government contracting
Both the public and private sectors should anticipate major industrial shakeups as states move to prohibit contracting with companies linked to certain foreign adversaries. Legislative bans on international contracts are intended to mitigate and prevent cybersecurity...
North Carolina announces $265 million to address water contamination, replace lead pipes
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) will distribute more than $265.4 million to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in water supplies and to identify and replace lead pipes. Recipients will supplement the awards...
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein reveals cabinet appointments
Josh Stein was officially sworn into office as North Carolina’s 76th governor Jan. 1, 2025. Prior to his gubernatorial appointment, Gov. Stein served the North Carolina Department of Justice (NC DOJ) as attorney general. He also served as a state senator between 2009...
University of Iowa plans $81.4 million renovation project for student resource building
The Iowa University Board of Regents has approved an $81.4 million University of Iowa (UI) project to renovate a cornerstone campus facility. Currently in the design phase, construction is anticipated to begin in 2025 and will be implemented across five phases. The...
Oregon releases first AI Action Plan, creates guidelines for IT deployment and integration
The Oregon State Government Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Council has released its first approved AI Action Plan. The document outlines the state’s vision and guiding principles for using, adopting and advancing AI technologies as an integral part of...
University of Alabama to invest $13 million into ROTC training facility, veterans center
The University of Alabama (UA) received approval from the UA System Board of Trustees to spend $12.8 million building an ROTC Facility and Student Veterans Center. The project is in the design phase with bidding split into two building packages. Bidding for Package A...
Profiles in Power – Shawn Delahanty
Shawn Delahanty - Director of Innovation & Technology's Enterprise Services and Software, The City of South Bend, Indiana Public career highlights and education: I attended St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana and immediately began my career in public...
New York school district approves $19 million infrastructure improvement project
The Waterville Central School District (WCSD) in New York will implement an $18.6 million project to upgrade infrastructure, programming space, security and energy performance across campus facilities. Currently in the design phase, construction is anticipated to...
ADOT moves into final design phase for $61 million interchange project
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will build a $61 million interchange to enhance safety, reduce congestion and improve travel times along a key transportation corridor south of Phoenix. Currently in final design, construction is anticipated to begin in...
California unveils $920 million to address homelessness, announces online accountability tool
The state of California is investing $920 million to support projects combating homelessness, developing permanent and interim housing and increasing housing accountability. The funding is accompanied by a new online tool designed to collect and centralize data on...
Charlotte dedicates $400 million for housing, neighborhood, transportation improvements
Changes are coming to Charlotte, North Carolina, after the city received approval to commit $400 million for housing, neighborhood and transportation projects. These initiatives will work toward repairing and improving roadways, supporting affordable housing options...
Illinois school district approves $152 million to improve, renovate three campuses
Community Unit School District 200 (CUSD 200) - located in Wheaton, Illinois – will invest $151.5 million in comprehensive improvements and repairs to three of its educational institutions. These projects will enhance safety and security campus-wide, improve...
Minnesota-based utility company receives approval for clean energy pilot projects
As part of the state’s efforts to promote a clean, sustainable energy grid, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved an energy company’s first Natural Gas Innovation Plan (NGIP). The plan establishes a groundbreaking effort to promote renewable...
Profiles in Power – Michael Mallinoff
Michael Mallinoff - City Manager, The City of Annapolis Public career highlights and education: I am an over 30-year member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and a member of the Global Engagement Committee. For the ICMA, I have been a...
South Dakota city to spend $25 million restoring critical lake, preserving water quality
The city of Mitchell, South Dakota, will invest $25 million to restore the local lake. The Lake Mitchell Restoration Project will include building infrastructure, making improvements to filter run-off and dredging the lake. The project is anticipated to begin in fall...
Los Angeles County plans $71 million effort to reconstruct roadways, replace bridges
Los Angeles County Public Works will spend $70.9 million on transportation projects, including reconstructing roads, improving non-motorized traveler safety and upgrading mobility amenities. All projects are currently in the design phase, with bidding for construction...
Florida Gov. DeSantis appoints six to transportation commission
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has chosen the next members of the Florida Transportation Commission (FTC). Out of the six selected to serve on the commission, two are new appointments with the remaining retaining their current chairs. Barbara Haselden has been newly...
Asheville to distribute $80 million to support parks, transportation, public safety, housing projects
The city of Asheville, North Carolina, will invest $80 million to make comprehensive improvements to critical city infrastructure and services. In its efforts to recover from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, the city will...
Virginia county approves $181 million community arts center
Loudon County, Virginia, will spend $181.3 million to build an updated community arts center, creating a centralized hub for the region’s performance and artistic culture. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved the project’s preferred alternative in its Jan....
Louisiana creates AI development division, prepares $100 million to support tech innovation
Louisiana has launched a new Louisiana Economic Development (LED) division to lead artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, development and strategy. The initiative - called Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) - will lead the charge on supporting tech-enabled startups and AI...
Vanderbilt University unveils first look at Florida-based $520 million campus
After receiving approval for the project in October 2024, Vanderbilt University (VU) has released the first official renderings of its $519.5 million business and tech campus in West Palm Beach, Florida. The project’s design team is currently working on the campus’...
University of Wisconsin approves $370 million plan to upgrade and expand STEM facilities
The University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee (UW-Milwaukee) will spend $369.5 million to build a replacement academic and research STEM facility and complete renovations in the Engineering Mathematics & Science (EMS) building. The project will involve the demolition...