Economic Recovery Resources - Biweekly Update
The Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Gulf Coast Economic Development District issue this Economic Recovery Resources Biweekly Update to help our local partners secure the resources they need to recover from economic disruption. Subscribers to the monthly Regional Economic Development Digest will receive the update automatically.

Please email Darryl Briscoe to discuss economic recovery needs you may have.
News and Updates
Texas Projected to Receive $35 Billion from Federal Infrastructure Bill 
A White House press release for the newly enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act reports that the legislation is projected to deliver $35 billion for Texas economic development. The incoming federal investment will go toward funding federal highway programs, public transportation, airports, broadband expansion, among other targeted infrastructure projects. 

Information regarding several grant opportunities associated with the bill is expected to be released to the public around mid-late February. Follow this biweekly update, along with our monthly Economic Development Digest, for the latest information regarding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Learn more.
DEADLINE EXTENDED: U.S. Economic Development Administration Good Jobs Challenge Applications Now Due Thursday, February 10 at 10:59 P.M. CT.
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced an extension to the Good Jobs Challenge, an American Rescue Plan Act grant program that aims to connect Americans with the training opportunities they need to develop in-demand skills that lead to good jobs and long-term careers.

Contact Darryl Briscoe for technical assistance. Learn more.
Federal Funding for Rural Communities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. 
 
Grants and loans to construct, enlarge, or improve essential community facilities in rural areas.

Loans and grants to a non-profit entity or institution of higher education to establish revolving loan funds for rural micro-loan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs, or to provide training and technical assistance to micro entrepreneurs.  
Federal Funding for All Communities
U.S. Economic Development Administration grants for construction or non-construction projects that will retain or create jobs and/or generate private investment. 

Good Jobs Challenge (February 10) 
U.S. Economic Development Administration grants to develop and strengthen regional workforce training systems and sector-based partnerships with a focus on programs for women, people of color, and historically underserved communities. 
 
Economic Adjustment Assistance (March 15, applications reviewed on a rolling basis)  
U.S. Economic Development Administration grants to help communities plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.  

Indigenous Communities (March 15, applications reviewed on a rolling basis) 
U.S. Economic Development Administration funding for Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future.  
 
Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation (March 15, applications reviewed on a rolling basis) 
U.S. Economic Development Administration investments to revitalize the hard-hit travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries and accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on these sectors. 

Build Back Better Regional Challenge (Phase 2: March 15) 
U.S. Economic Development Administration funding for regional coalitions to implement a collection of 3 to 8 distinct but related projects, in coordination with industry and community partners, and aligned around a holistic vision to build and scale a strategic industry cluster. 
Upcoming Economic Recovery Webinars
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Main Street America are hosting a webinar about how communities can use federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to support small business growth and development. The webinar is based on a new report by ILSR, “Small Business’s Big Moment,” outlining a dozen ideas for using American Rescue Plan Act money to cultivate and support small businesses. The event will be moderated by Kelly Humrichouser, Director of Government Relations for Main Street America, and Kennedy Smith, Senior Researcher for the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and former director of the National Main Street Center. 

In-Person Events:  
 
The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC), in partnership with the International Sustainable Resiliency Center, are hosting a workshop on disaster resiliency and recovery. The workshop will focus on preparing your community to be more resilient to navigate disasters of all kinds, to learn the best practices for business continuity and where to access resources to aid in economic recovery. Each workshop participant will receive resource materials, a resilience scorecard and important information to aid in resilience and recovery strategies for economic development. The workshop will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land, 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land. Registration for the free event is required and closes on Friday, February 11, 2022. 
Partner Resources
Visit the GCEDD website for information and links to local, regional, and partner organizations that have additional resources and information on economic recovery. A select list is presented below.

The Greater Houston Partnership has established the Greater Houston Business Recovery Center (GHBRC), which will provide guidance on policy and financing related to recovery programs.

RestoreYourEconomy is your resource for up-to-date information related to COVID-19 and its economic impacts.

The Texas Economic Development Council COVID-19 webpage catalogs webinars, small business program examples, research white papers, Texas Workforce Commission resources, and advice for retailers.

The National Association of Development Organizations COVID-19 resource center provides advocacy resources, upcoming virtual events and trainings, federal agency COVID-19 resources, national partner organizations response resources, Office of Management and Budget guidance, state-by-state workforce guidelines, and philanthropic resources for communities.

A wide range of free resources for Main Street leaders, including recovery planning tools, research, and best practices and examples from around the Main Street Network. 
Gulf Coast Economic Development District

The Economic Recovery Resources - Weekly Update is published by the