Cities across America have a golden opportunity to transform their transportation infrastructure, with the U.S. Department of Transportation announcing $1.5 billion in BUILD grants for groundbreaking multimodal projects nationwide.

The newly released Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) provides municipalities with grants up to $25 million, targeting innovative transportation solutions that can reshape urban mobility and connectivity.

Aspiring grant recipients have a critical deadline of February 24, 2026, to submit their applications, with awards anticipated by June of that year. The funding stems from the landmark Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, signaling continued federal commitment to modernizing America's transit systems.

Interestingly, the League of American Bicyclists notes that cities preparing to host major international sporting events may have a competitive edge. Specifically, municipalities scheduled to host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, 2028 Summer Olympic events, or 2034 Winter Olympic events could find themselves more favorably positioned when applying for transit and pedestrian-oriented projects.

While traditional transit and complete streets projects have historically been less competitive, the current grant landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for cities willing to think creatively about transportation infrastructure.

Detailed information about eligible entities and specific project requirements can be found on the USDOT website, encouraging local governments and transportation planners to explore this transformative funding opportunity.

Transportation experts recommend interested municipalities begin preparing their applications immediately, given the substantial potential for infrastructure improvement and community enhancement.