Strong community relationships are at the heart of effective local government. From planning public infrastructure to addressing public health, housing, and safety concerns, a government’s ability to serve its residents often depends on how well it engages with them. 

That’s where community outreach comes in. More than a one-way communication tool, outreach is an opportunity to build trust, listen to concerns, and create shared solutions. When done right, it can foster transparency, improve program participation, and strengthen civic engagement for the long term. 

Why Outreach Matters More Than Ever 

Communities today are more diverse and more connected than ever before. Residents expect transparency, responsiveness, and a seat at the table—especially when it comes to decisions that affect their neighborhoods and daily lives. 

At the same time, many local governments are implementing new programs funded by federal initiatives such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Whether addressing transportation, broadband access, or energy efficiency, outreach is essential to ensure that programs reflect the priorities of the people they serve. 

Best Practices for Government Outreach 

While every community is different, there are a few proven strategies that help local governments design and deliver more effective outreach programs. 

1. Start Early and Listen First 

Outreach should begin well before a decision is made or a program is rolled out. Early engagement allows residents to help shape the direction of a project—not just respond to it. This can lead to more inclusive planning and greater buy-in from the start. 

2. Tailor Your Approach to the Audience 

No single outreach method works for everyone. Consider the demographics, languages, and communication preferences of your community. For example: 

• Use multilingual materials in communities with high immigrant populations 

• Host events at schools, libraries, or community centers that residents already visit 

• Offer virtual participation options to accommodate work and childcare schedules 

3. Build Relationships with Community Partners 

Nonprofits, faith-based groups, schools, and neighborhood organizations can all serve as trusted messengers. Partnering with these groups can help governments reach underserved populations and build credibility within the community. 

4. Make Engagement Meaningful 

Residents are more likely to engage when they believe their input matters. Be clear about how feedback will be used and provide updates on what actions have been taken. Avoid one-sided presentations—opt for workshops, listening sessions, and facilitated discussions instead. 

5. Evaluate and Adapt 

Every outreach effort is an opportunity to learn. Use surveys, participation data, and resident feedback to assess what worked and what didn’t. These insights can help shape future efforts and ensure outreach remains relevant and effective. 

The Road Ahead 

In an era where public trust is both essential and increasingly fragile, outreach is more than a communication strategy—it’s a leadership responsibility. Governments that engage their communities with transparency and respect are better positioned to build consensus, deliver responsive services, and drive meaningful progress. 

The Brady Martz team works alongside public sector organizations that are committed to strengthening community relationships. By building outreach into every stage of planning and implementation, government leaders can create more inclusive, informed, and resilient communities. 

Over the past several years, federal grant funding has played a critical role in helping local governments respond to economic shifts, invest in infrastructure, and modernize essential services. From pandemic recovery programs to long-term investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the federal government has made historic funding available to communities of all sizes. 

But with opportunity comes responsibility—and navigating compliance is more important than ever. 

For cities, counties, school districts, and special districts receiving federal support, understanding the rules tied to that funding is essential. Grant compliance isn’t just about checking boxes—it protects public dollars, builds trust, and ensures that agencies are eligible for future funding opportunities. 

Federal Grant Funding Is Still Going Strong 

As of mid-2025, funding from major programs like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is still being distributed and spent. Many communities are moving from the planning stage into active implementation—and that means reporting, tracking, and oversight requirements are coming into sharper focus. 

Federal agencies are also increasing their scrutiny of how funds are being used, particularly with regard to single audits, internal controls, and procurement standards. For many local governments, staying compliant requires a proactive, well-documented approach. 

Key Compliance Considerations for Local Governments 

Whether your agency is managing a transportation project, expanding broadband access, or improving energy efficiency, there are several key areas to focus on when it comes to federal grant compliance: 

1. Understand the Uniform Guidance 

Most federal grant programs are governed by Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly referred to as Uniform Guidance or 2 CFR Part 200). These regulations outline: 

• Allowable and unallowable costs 

• Procurement standards 

• Subrecipient monitoring requirements 

• Audit thresholds and expectations 

Staying familiar with these rules—and how they apply to your grant—is critical to staying in compliance. 

2. Implement Strong Internal Controls 

Federal grants require more than just solid bookkeeping. Agencies must demonstrate they have robust internal controls in place to manage funds, detect errors, and prevent fraud. This includes: 

• Segregation of duties 

• Approval workflows 

• Documentation policies 

• Risk assessments 

A well-designed internal control system not only supports compliance but also helps improve operational efficiency. 

3. Prepare for Single Audit Requirements 

Entities that spend $750,000 or more in federal funds in a single fiscal year are subject to a Single Audit, which includes both financial and compliance components. Note, this threshold has increased to $1,000,000 beginning with entities with fiscal year ends ending on or after September 30, 2025. Even if your organization has never undergone one before, you’ll need to: 

• Track federal expenditures by Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 

• Maintain detailed documentation of how funds are used 

• Be ready to demonstrate compliance with applicable program requirements 

Failing a single audit can result in repayment of funds, grant ineligibility, or reputational harm—making preparation essential. 

4. Follow Procurement Guidelines 

One of the most common areas for noncompliance is procurement. Federal grant rules require that goods and services be procured fairly and competitively. This often includes: 

• Soliciting bids or proposals 

• Documenting selection processes 

• Avoiding conflicts of interest 

Even well-meaning agencies can run into trouble if they don’t follow these rules exactly. 

5. Ensure Timely and Accurate Reporting 

Most grants come with reporting requirements—financial, programmatic, or both. Meeting deadlines and ensuring accuracy in reporting can help build credibility with funding agencies and reduce the risk of follow-up questions or audits. 

In some cases, failure to submit reports can delay reimbursements or jeopardize future funding. 

Federal grant funding continues to be a key source of support for local governments as they invest in infrastructure, community development, and modernization initiatives. With active funding still flowing from major federal programs—including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and the Inflation Reduction Act—cities, counties, school districts, and other entities are moving from planning to implementation. 

Looking Ahead 

Federal funding can be a powerful tool for community growth—but only when managed with care. As grant opportunities continue to evolve, so must the systems and strategies used to administer them. The Brady Martz team continues to monitor funding developments and compliance trends to help public sector organizations stay informed, prepared, and well-positioned for long-term success. 

Government entities today are navigating a period of profound financial transition. From fluctuating tax revenues and inflationary pressures to shifts in federal and state funding priorities, the landscape of public finance is changing—and with it, the way public sector leaders must plan, budget, and allocate resources. 

Understanding these shifts is critical for municipalities, school districts, and other government organizations as they strive to meet community needs, maintain infrastructure, and deliver essential services. Financial resilience and adaptability have never been more important. 

Key Trends Shaping Public Finance 

Several key factors are influencing the way public entities manage their finances: 

1. Federal and State Funding Volatility 

While recent stimulus programs and infrastructure legislation have provided short-term boosts, many of these funding sources are temporary. Long-term planning requires a careful analysis of what revenues are sustainable—and how to responsibly allocate one-time funds. 

2. Rising Costs and Inflation 

The cost of capital projects, staffing, and basic operations continues to climb. Governments must now stretch budgets further and make difficult decisions about priorities, all while maintaining transparency and accountability. 

3. Changing Revenue Sources 

Local governments that rely heavily on sales tax, property tax, or tourism-related revenues may experience volatility as economic conditions shift. Diversifying revenue streams and exploring creative financing models (such as public-private partnerships) can help buffer against uncertainty. 

4. Increased Scrutiny and Reporting Requirements 

Stakeholders—from taxpayers to oversight agencies—are demanding greater transparency. This includes enhanced reporting on how funds are spent, performance outcomes, and long-term fiscal health. Agencies must be prepared with strong internal controls and clear documentation. 

5. Technology and Data-Driven Decision Making 

As financial systems become more complex, many public entities are turning to digital tools and data analytics to inform budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. These tools can improve efficiency, but they also require new skills and strategic investments. 

The Path Forward: Building Financial Resilience 

To navigate this changing environment, government organizations should consider: 

• Strategic long-term planning that aligns funding with future needs. 

• Scenario-based budgeting to account for a range of revenue and cost projections. 

• Regular financial health assessments, including debt management and reserve analysis. 

• Enhanced internal controls to ensure compliance with evolving regulations and funding terms. 

• Stakeholder communication strategies to build public trust and understanding. 

These steps not only help agencies weather financial uncertainty—they also position them to pursue growth and innovation with greater confidence. 

How Brady Martz Can Help 

At Brady Martz, we understand the challenges that come with managing public dollars in an environment of constant change. Our Government team offers tailored support in budgeting, forecasting, grant compliance, audit readiness, and financial reporting—helping public entities build strong financial foundations and make sound, data-driven decisions. 

As local governments and public agencies across the country face mounting pressure to modernize infrastructure, address social challenges, and meet evolving community expectations—all while managing limited resources—Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) are emerging as a critical tool for advancing mission-driven outcomes. 

At their core, P3s allow governments to work hand-in-hand with private sector partners to fund, design, build, and manage public assets and services. While these partnerships have been used for decades—especially in infrastructure—today’s P3s are becoming more versatile, more collaborative, and more essential than ever. 

The Evolving Role of P3s in the Public Sector 

Historically, P3s were most commonly used for major infrastructure projects like highways, bridges, and public buildings. But in today’s environment, their applications are much broader. Governments are now leveraging public-private models to address a wide array of needs, including: 

• Broadband and digital access initiatives 

• Clean energy and sustainability projects 

• Affordable housing developments 

• Smart city technologies 

• Community-based health and human services 

These evolving use cases demonstrate how P3s can be tailored to meet a variety of public policy goals—not just with capital investment, but also with innovation, operational expertise, and risk-sharing from the private sector. 

Key Advantages of Public-Private Collaboration 

As fiscal pressures mount and federal and state funding remains unpredictable, P3s offer several compelling benefits for government entities: 

• Access to Private Capital: P3s can help bridge funding gaps, allowing projects to move forward without waiting on traditional public funding mechanisms. 

• Operational Efficiency: Private partners often bring industry expertise and advanced technologies that can lead to faster project delivery and improved long-term performance. 

• Risk Allocation: By strategically assigning certain risks to the private partner—such as construction delays, maintenance, or operational issues—public agencies can better protect taxpayer dollars. 

• Lifecycle Focus: Many P3 agreements prioritize performance over the full life of a project, ensuring that the quality and value of the asset are maintained well beyond initial construction. 

Considerations for Public Entities 

Despite the potential upside, P3s are complex and require thoughtful planning, execution, and oversight. Public agencies considering a partnership should be prepared to: 

• Engage stakeholders early to build transparency and trust with the community. 

• Define clear objectives and outcomes to guide partner selection and contract development. 

• Understand the financial implications, including long-term liabilities, revenue-sharing models, and compliance with accounting and reporting standards. 

• Invest in monitoring and governance to ensure accountability throughout the life of the partnership. 

When these elements are handled well, P3s can help governments not only meet today’s challenges but also position their communities for future growth and resilience. 

Looking Ahead 

As public needs continue to evolve, P3s are likely to play an even larger role in how governments deliver services, build infrastructure, and respond to emerging demands. The future of these partnerships lies in their ability to be flexible, innovative, and community-focused—balancing financial stewardship with meaningful public outcomes. 

Whether it’s a transportation project, digital infrastructure, or a new community facility, the most successful P3s are rooted in mutual respect, shared vision, and a commitment to the greater good. 

How Brady Martz Can Help 

At Brady Martz, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with public-private collaboration. Our experienced Government team works with municipalities, agencies, and public entities to navigate the financial, operational, and strategic complexities of partnership models. Whether you’re exploring the feasibility of a new project or looking to strengthen oversight on an existing initiative, we offer the insights and support you need to move forward with confidence.