Looking back at 2021, arranging things differently turned out to be the theme of the year for our economics coverage at Next City. At every level of the economy, from the very bottom all the way up to the Federal Reserve, doing things differently has been on full display.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a lot of pressure on municipal bonds. While general obligation bonds remain safe, revenue bonds backed by universities, senior housing, and convention centers are at risk. Fortunately, the resurgence of bond insurance has helped many investors gain peace of mind amid the evolving crisis.

Throughout this year, we've seen unprecedented interest in EDA's funding opportunities, including our American Rescue Plan programs. It is our mission to efficiently, effectively, and equitably disperse these funds to help communities respond to and recover from the pandemic and build back better. With that mission in mind, we have decided to provide Good Jobs Challenge applicants with an extra two weeks to complete their applications.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $1 billion investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to initiate cleanup and clear the backlog of 49 previously unfunded Superfund sites and accelerate cleanup at dozens of other sites across the country. Until this historic investment, many of these were part of a backlog of hazardous waste sites awaiting funding.

Governor Larry Hogan today announced the first round of awardees for Project Restore, a $25 million economic recovery initiative that provides financial incentives for small businesses and commercial developers to revitalize vacant retail and commercial space. A total of 144 businesses in 23 jurisdictions will receive $3.6 million in rental subsidies and $7.2 million in business operations grants over the next two years, totaling $10.8 million in support.

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund) allocates $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to every county, parish, and borough in the country. The fund is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which the National Association of Counties (NACo) helped develop and strongly advocated to pass. Counties can allocate these critical Recovery Funds to a broad array of investments under five categories.

This year taught us to humbly expect the unexpected, from hundreds of billions in federal "helicopter money" to $35,000 bonuses to lure back retired transit workers. And how is your public pension fund doing on something called ESG?

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced the Department is accepting grant applications that will advance equity in rural America by creating new opportunities in distressed communities.

Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Course
January 26-27, 2022 - Daily: 12:00 - 5:00 PM Eastern

Intro Bond Finance Course
February 14-15, 2022 - Daily: 12:00 - 5:00 PM Eastern

Advanced Bond Finance WebCourse
February 16-17, 2022 - Daily: 12:00 - 5:00 PM Eastern

These Underwriter positions perform a level of work examining, analyzing, and interpreting financial and or construction data that may include but is not limited to financial statements, income statements, tax statements, profit and loss statements, cash flow, construction documents such as contracts, plans, specification, blue prints, construction budgets, feasibility studies, environmental studies, geotechnical studies, change orders, notice of completion, etc.

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission is seeking an Economic Development Specialist. The position supports delivery of economic development resources under the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) CARES Act grants for NIRPC's planning activities to meet economic development goals and objectives.

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