Because the company I lead does extensive research to monitor and provide data related to bond elections in all 50 states, I am shocked to see how many billions in funding are allocated through bond elections annually for upcoming projects. In Texas alone, bond elections in May of this year represent $37.7 billion in new funding that is now available to support upcoming projects. Ohio voters approved a statewide bond that authorizes up to $2.5 billion in General -Obligation Bonds for public infrastructure projects. That brings the combined total from only two states to approximately $40.2 billion. Though, in most states, the larger bond elections occur in November.
In May 2025, a General Obligation Bond election in Saratoga Springs, New York received voter approval and $142.8 million was made available for two school campuses projects. Both Saratoga Springs High School and the Maple Avenue Middle School will get expansive renovations to modernize and increase capacity for existing classrooms. Auditoriums in both buildings will also be upgraded. The project will call for other aspects such as roof reconstruction, window replacements, elevator modernizations, and upgraded HVAC systems. Funding will be allocated for improvements to athletics facilities and upgraded security as well. The planning and design phases have started and contracting solicitations are slated for 2026. A construction launch is planned for 2027.
Texas voters in San Angelo passed a $397 million school bond package to fund a modernization and replacement project that will be focused on aging school structures throughout the city’s school districts. The plan will be to construct several new schools, upgrade safety features in all, and make various types of upgrades to enhance instructional quality.
High-priority projects include replacing the Central High School and modernizing other aging campuses. The school buildings will have updated classrooms, multi-functional learning spaces, secure entrances, and new mechanical systems. Construction will be phased by priority order, beginning with the facilities of highest need. The entire program will span several years, and the school district plans to utilize a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery methodology for the overall initiative.
District officials are currently developing design documents and developing procurement plans. Architectural, engineering services and construction management solicitation documents are scheduled for release in late 2025.
Voters in Independence, Missouri approved a $55 million bond package to improve critical infrastructure including roads, bridges, culverts, and sidewalks located near school campuses. The funding allocates $30 million for roads, $15 million for bridges and culverts, and $10 million for sidewalks. The $30 million road funding will support asphalt overlays on major roadways and neighborhood streets. Roads will be prioritized based on traffic volume, condition, and frequency of use, with a commitment to equitable improvements across all four districts. The $15 million dedicated to bridges and culverts will fund repairs to 13 high-priority bridges and additional culvert replacements. Selection of the bridges was based on their deteriorated condition and locations near emergency response routes. The last $10 million allocation for sidewalks will be dedicated to the work required to build or improve sidewalks near seven schools in the Independence and Fort Osage School Districts. These school locations were selected for attention because of their walkability needs and the number of students who walk to school every dat.
Project planning is currently underway, and construction is scheduled to begin either in late 2025 or early in 2026.
A $120 million bond package was approved by voters in Novi, Michigan and the funding will be used to build and repair essential public safety infrastructure. The project will call for construction of a new combined police and fire station facility, two stand-alone fire stations, and renovations to another fire facility. The project also includes a significant amount of demolition work – one existing police station and three fire stations.
The new public safety headquarters has been given an estimated cost of approximately $91.85 million, including construction of a new connector road. Funding for the three fire stations is estimated at approximately $13 million for facility. Renovations to the existing fire station carry a cost of approximately $2 million. Design work has started, and construction is slated to begin in 2026.
Officials at the Osawatomie United School District in Kansas announced plans to upgrade the city’s aging school facilities districtwide after receiving voter approval of a $20.5 million bond package. Approximately $6.5 million will be allocated for new HVAC systems and enhancements to the school’s track field and sports stadium. Another $11.4 million is earmarked for Osawatomie High School and Osawatomie Middle School projects. Trojan Elementary School will receive $1.2 million for targeted improvements which will include heating system upgrades, roof repairs, and enhanced security features. Additionally, the district will construct a new competition gymnasium at Osawatomie High School to relieve scheduling conflicts and provide an improved space for athletics and community events. All aspects of this effort are currently in the design phase. Construction is slated to begin in the summer of 2026.
Citizens in Bexar County, Texas approved a $987 bond package issued by the Alamo College District. The funding was approved for the region’s public higher education infrastructure, representing the largest capital improvement effort ever undertaken by the district. The plan is to significantly improve educational facilities across multiple higher education campuses. The funding will support construction of new academic buildings as well as state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and spaces dedicated to science, technology, engineering and math centers. When completed, the effort will deliver flexible, modern learning environments designed specifically for student needs and regional workforce demands. In addition to new construction, the project will include substantial renovations to improve instructional spaces and implement upgrades in campus security and sustainability.
Planning is currently underway and solicitations for both design and construction services are slated to open in late 2025. Construction will begin in 2026.
Funding for all types of projects will definitely be available at the state and local levels of government throughout the U.S. The jury is out still on how much infrastructure, sustainability, water, power, housing, and disaster recovery funding will be available will be available from the federal government.
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