As Congress drafts the next long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill ahead of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act expiration, NACTO and Climate Mayors are urging Congress to position U.S. cities—the heart of our economy—to meet the transportation challenges of today, tomorrow, and future generations.

Last week, NACTO sent a joint letter to Congressional leadership alongside Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of nearly 350 mayors representing 48 states and over 60 million Americans. 

The initial framework presented in the House’s BUILD America 250 Act (BA250) should do more than extend or consolidate existing programs. America’s transportation system faces three urgent challenges: affordability, safety, and resilience. 

In our letter, we ask Congress to:

• Honor federal commitments: While BA250 currently includes an explicit prohibition on the cancellation of future discretionary grants, it doesn’t protect hundreds of past awards hard-won by cities and their residents. 
• Address high transportation costs: This legislation misses a major opportunity to help households reduce their dependence on expensive and unpredictable fuel costs. The letter urges Congress to invest more in transit and electric vehicle infrastructure. 
• Make our streets safer: Local governments should have greater access to the federal resources needed to improve street safety. Direct dedicated safety funding straight to local governments, which manage 80%of public roads and where over half of traffic fatalities occur. 
• Build resilient infrastructure: Cities are on the front lines of flooding, extreme heat, wildfires, severe storms, and other disruptions. At the same time, many are struggling to maintain aging infrastructure. The bill should prioritize investments that strengthen the long-term reliability of our transportation system.
• Pass a clean extension if necessary: If Congress is unable to complete a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill before the IIJA expires on September 30, 2026, it should pass a clean, short-term extension that maintains current programs and funding levels.

Read the full letter to see how local leaders are advocating for a transportation system that improves access, saves lives, lowers costs, and prepares our communities for the future.