LOCUS advocates for development and mobility policies that catalyze change at federal, state, and local levels. Our efforts influence public policy, provide expert advice to Smart Growth America, and deliver in-depth policy analyses and updates to our members. We also connect members with policymakers through events and meetings.
LOCUS is the chief advisory group to Smart Growth America on real estate and development issues. Members and SGA staff meet regularly with federal policymakers to find levers to generate sustainable and equitable development and make walkable urban communities more accessible to all. LOCUS members have were heavily involved in the creation of several such bills, such as the TIFIA/RRIF and the ReHAB Act. Find more information on these important policies below.
TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) provides credit assistance for large-scale, surface transportation projects like highways, transit, railroads, and ports. TIFIA loans (or loan guarantees or credits) can help state and local governments, transit agencies, railroad companies, special authorities, special districts, and private entities finance projects that might not otherwise be financially possible. RRIFF (Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing) provides direct loans to help or improve railroads. These improvements include rehabilitating railroad facilities and equipment, refinancing, financing TOD, and more.
Members get top headlines, newsletters, and memos detailing the latest on new policies and funding sources. They can also access resources from Transportation 4 America, that of focus on investments in transit and infrastructure.
The REHAB Act, also known as the Revitalizing Economies, Housing, And Businesses Act, is a bipartisan bill that would create a federal taxcredit to support redeveloping old, but non-historic buildings near public transportation. Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in March 2020, this visionary piece of legislation was the result of years of strategic efforts led by LOCUS members and continues to be a strategic priority for the coalition.
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