The Thriving Communities Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program to provide technical assistance and capacity building for rapidly growing communities to advance major infrastructure projects.
Norma Torres
Representative
CA-35
The Thriving Communities Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program, administered jointly by the Departments of Transportation and HUD, to provide technical assistance to rapidly growing communities. This program aims to empower fast-growing towns and cities to advance major infrastructure projects, with a focus on transit-oriented development. The Act authorizes significant funding for the program and requires detailed reporting on coordination efforts and metrics used for fund distribution.
DOT and HUD Get $105.5 Million to Help Fast-Growing Cities Plan Major Transit Projects
The “Thriving Communities Act of 2025” is about giving growing cities and towns a major assist when it comes to infrastructure. Essentially, this bill creates a new federal program designed to help the fastest-growing areas figure out how to build and manage big, complex infrastructure projects. The Secretary of Transportation (DOT) is tasked with leading this effort, working closely with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to provide technical assistance and build up local capacity (SEC. 2).
The Know-How and the Cash
Think of this as the federal government offering specialized consulting services to cities that are booming but might not have the in-house expertise to manage a multi-billion dollar light rail expansion or a major highway overhaul. The bill authorizes up to $100 million annually for DOT to run the program and an additional $5.5 million for HUD to ensure they are coordinating effectively. This funding is specifically aimed at helping these communities move from the planning stage to actually getting those projects built (SEC. 2).
Building Near the Bus Stop
One of the core goals baked into this program is promoting development near public transit—what policy wonks call “transit-oriented development.” This means the technical help being offered isn't just about building a new road; it's about helping the city plan housing, businesses, and public spaces around that new bus line or train station. For the average commuter, this could mean less time stuck in traffic and more housing options closer to work. For the city, it’s a strategy to reduce sprawl and maximize the value of public transportation investments.
Who Gets the Gold Star (and the Money)?
This is where the rubber meets the road, and where things get a little vague. The program targets the “fastest-growing towns and cities,” but the bill doesn't define what that means. Is it based on population growth, job growth, or something else? That definition is left up to the Secretaries of DOT and HUD. They also have to report back to Congress on the exact metrics they use to decide who gets the technical assistance (SEC. 2). This means the criteria for qualifying are currently wide open, which could be a good thing for flexibility, but it also gives the federal agencies significant discretion over which communities benefit.
If you live in a mid-sized city that’s seen a huge influx of people over the last decade, this bill could be a game-changer, helping your local government finally tackle that outdated highway exchange or launch a new rapid transit line. However, if your community isn't deemed one of the “fastest-growing,” you won't be eligible for this specific aid, even if your infrastructure needs are just as urgent. Ultimately, this bill is a clear investment in planning capacity, aiming to turn local infrastructure dreams into shovel-ready reality by providing the necessary technical expertise.