Infrastructure

Transforming Mexico: Federal Programs Pioneering Infrastructure and Technology Advancements (Mexico)
Transforming Mexico: Federal Programs Pioneering Infrastructure and Technology Advancements (Mexico)

Mexico is currently undergoing a significant transformation, with federal programs leading the way for modernized infrastructure and the implementation of new technologies across multiple sectors. With significant investments in roads, railways, ports, telecommunications, and urban development, Mexican society stands to benefit greatly while unlocking significant economic potential.

Upcoming Energy Programs
Upcoming Energy Programs

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act include many opportunities for energy-related grant initiatives. In fact, it is overwhelming to consider the sheer volume of programs made available over the past couple of years and will continue to be created as more information is known. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is the federal grantmaker tasked with administering a number of these research and development, demonstration, and deployment programs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is another popular grantmaker for energy-specific programs. These funds are available to nonprofits, all forms of government agencies, private businesses, and even individuals.

As for the near future, there are three specific programs worth diving a little deeper into, as they either have firm deadlines or are expected to open in the coming weeks. The first comes from the Inflation Reduction Act and more specifically through the USDA.

SMART: What’s Been Funded Thus Far
SMART: What’s Been Funded Thus Far

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act introduced many new grant programs when passed in late 2021. These initiatives ranged from broadband and electric charging to major clean energy and water infrastructure. A handful of these funding projects are classified as smart city adjacent, but one specific program, Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation, or SMART, is the definition of a smart city grant.

GRANT PROGRAM SNAPSHOT: Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Program
GRANT PROGRAM SNAPSHOT: Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Program

ELIGIBILITY: Eligible lead applicants are Nonprofit Organizations, Labor Unions, Labor-Management Organizations, and Worker Organizations, Education/Training Provider(s), Workforce Development Entities, Economic Development Agencies, and Native American Tribal Governments.

GRANT PROGRAM SNAPSHOT: Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant
GRANT PROGRAM SNAPSHOT: Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant

ELIGIBILITY: Eligible applicants are: (A) A State; (B) a political subdivision of a State; (C) a Tribal government; (D) a public transit agency or authority; (E) a public toll authority; (F) a metropolitan planning organization; and (G) a group of 2 or more eligible entities described.