Measuring Policy Support for Inclusive Urban Planning

Measuring Success: Outcomes and Reporting for Municipalities in the Highways to Boulevards Grant Program

Municipalities applying for the Restoring Community Bonds through Highways to Boulevards Grant Program must understand the measurement requirements to successfully report on the outcomes of their projects. The program's focus on reconnecting communities through the transformation of highways into boulevards demands a clear understanding of what constitutes success and how it will be measured.

Defining and Tracking Required Outcomes

The grant program requires municipalities to achieve specific outcomes, including improved public space utilization, enhanced community engagement, and increased economic activity. To measure these outcomes, municipalities must track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as the number of users of newly created public spaces, changes in local business revenue, and the number of community events held on the transformed boulevards. Municipalities must also comply with federal regulations, such as the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200), which dictate the standards for reporting and tracking grant expenditures.

One of the delivery challenges municipalities may face is accurately tracking KPIs, particularly in cases where existing data collection infrastructure is limited. For example, municipalities may need to invest in new data collection tools or train staff to effectively monitor and report on KPIs. Additionally, municipalities must ensure that their reporting requirements align with the funder's expectations, which in this case is the State Government. This may involve coordinating with state officials to ensure that reporting requirements are met and that the necessary data is collected.

Reporting Requirements and Compliance

To ensure compliance with grant requirements, municipalities must adhere to specific reporting requirements, including regular progress reports and a final report detailing the project's outcomes. The reporting requirements will be outlined in the grant agreement and may include submission of quarterly reports, annual reports, or a combination of both. Municipalities must also be aware of potential compliance traps, such as failing to meet Davis-Bacon Act requirements, which mandate that workers on federally funded projects be paid prevailing wages.

One concrete regulation that applies to this sector is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires that public spaces, including those created through the Highways to Boulevards Grant Program, be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Municipalities must ensure that their projects comply with ADA standards, which may involve incorporating accessible design elements into the project plan.

Mitigating Risk and Ensuring Eligibility

To mitigate risk and ensure eligibility, municipalities must carefully review the grant program's eligibility criteria and ensure that their project meets all requirements. This includes demonstrating a clear understanding of the project's scope, timeline, and budget, as well as a plan for sustaining the project beyond the grant period. Municipalities should also be aware of potential eligibility barriers, such as a lack of matching funds or inadequate community engagement.

A verifiable delivery challenge unique to this sector is the need to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, local businesses, and community groups. Municipalities must be able to effectively manage these relationships to ensure successful project delivery.

FAQs for Municipalities

Q: How do I ensure that my project's KPIs align with the grant program's requirements? A: Review the grant program's guidelines and consult with state officials to ensure that your project's KPIs align with the program's requirements and that you are tracking the necessary data.

Q: What are the implications of failing to comply with Davis-Bacon Act requirements? A: Failing to comply with Davis-Bacon Act requirements can result in penalties, including repayment of funds and potential debarment from future federal funding opportunities.

Q: Can I use grant funding to support ongoing maintenance of the newly created public spaces? A: While the grant program may provide funding for initial project costs, ongoing maintenance is typically the responsibility of the municipality. However, you may be able to use grant funding to support maintenance activities during the grant period, subject to the funder's approval.