Cities say water and stormwater upgrades critical to growth and resilience
The National League of Cities (NLC) has released its 2025 Municipal Infrastructure Conditions Report, revealing that water systems, along with roads and bridges, are the top infrastructure priorities for more than 70% of U.S. municipalities.
Surveyed local leaders said rising project costs, workforce shortages and regulatory challenges continue to pressure infrastructure budgets, but cities are advancing projects through creative funding strategies, including federal programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Nearly 88% of cities said infrastructure investments are essential to economic growth and equitable development.
NLC CEO Clarence E. Anthony noted that cities are “innovating in the face of rising costs and complex permitting processes to deliver the infrastructure residents depend on.” The report also links investments in water and stormwater systems to broader goals like climate resilience, affordable housing and community health.
