There’s a bipartisan consensus to invest in infrastructure, but regional infrastructure needs are complex, outpacing existing federal funding mechanisms. 

PIC and Brookings Metro‘s new report, “Regional block grants: A new approach to funding transformative infrastructure projects” demonstrates how this new model would invest federal funds directly in regions and how regional block grants could be more effective in delivering transformative, region-specific projects across America.

• Regions are the economic hubs of the nation, with metropolitan areas alone producing 90% of gross domestic product in 2023.
• Regional infrastructure needs are complex, outpacing existing federal funding mechanisms. Formula funds primarily flow to states, while regional actors struggle to qualify for many competitive grants.
• A new federal model should empower regions and their localities directly. Regional block grants can equip regions with predictable, flexible funding to deliver transformative infrastructure.

Authors include Brookings Metro’s Senior Fellow Adie Tomer and Senior Research Assistant Ben Swedberg, plus PIC’s Senior Officer Alicia L. Jurek, Economic Analyst Gabriela Stone, Director Leeanne Singleton and Vice President Emily Wier.