Feb. 20, 2025
Congressionally Directed Spending and Federal Budget Talks
Congressionally Directed Spending
The Office of Senator Jon Ossoff announced yesterday they will begin accepting requests for FY2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Projects next Monday, Feb. 24. Similarly, Senator Raphael Warnock’s office is gearing up to accept requests as well.
The CDS and Community Project Funding (CPF) process allows cities and other non-private entities to apply for federal funding for community projects, including government buildings, water system expansions and transportation improvements. Applicants should be mindful of the requirements tied to these funds, which are similar to grants. It will take time for your request to work through the appropriations process, and approval is not guaranteed.
Not every Georgia House member participates in the appropriations process or has published information about their FY2026 requests process yet. Please contact them directly to inquire. If you are not sure whether the CDS/CPF process is appropriate for your project, a staffer within the congressional office will be glad to chat with you about eligibility. Act fast as application windows may only be 2-3 weeks long.
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There was uncertainty leading up to the start of the new Congress on whether the CDS/CPF process would resume in FY2026. GMA sees these updates from our congressional members as a positive indication that federal funding could still be available for local projects.
Federal Budget Talks for Context
What has happened only four times in the last fifty years? Congress passing a federal budget on time.
Nearly halfway into federal FY 2025, which runs from Oct. 1, 2024 through Sep. 30, 2025, Congress has yet to approve a full budget for this fiscal year with both chambers engaging in those negotiations now. Per a continuing resolution Congress passed last December, the federal government is currently operating on pre-existing spending levels through March 14, 2025. If Congress does not pass a budget for the balance of FY2025 by this date, or pass another continuing resolution, the government shuts down.As FY2025 budget negotiations continue, procedures outlined in the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 state that it is almost time for next year’s appropriations process to commence. And in some ways, they have, with an opportunity for cities to access some federal funding. If you have a project in mind for the FY2026 CDS/CPF process, engage with your members of Congress today!