A new survey from over 1,100 municipalities across the country shows that the national economic recovery is at even greater risk of stalling if Congress fails to provide direct federal aid to America’s cities, towns, and villages.
The survey found that 65 percent of cities are being forced to delay or completely cancel capital expenditures and infrastructure projects, which will stifle job growth and slow local economic activity. These cuts drastically impact both the people in communities, and infrastructure and essential services that are critical to the national economic recovery. Without congressional action, the forced delay or cancellation of infrastructure projects will create an economic ripple effect.
-61% of cities are delaying or canceling equipment purchases, which will stunt local commercial activity among businesses that supply equipment for municipal projects.
-24% of cities are making significant cuts to community and economic development programs, which further hinders local businesses from bouncing back from the current recession.
-13% are making necessary cuts to code inspection, planning, and permitting, delaying reopening and the growth of local businesses.
