If you’ve felt dismayed about the state of our nation’s communities lately, you’re not alone. On top of the nationwide unrest, cities across the country are still facing unprecedented challenges as we work to keep our citizens safe from further spread of the coronavirus pandemic. What’s more, the bipartisan shutdown of our nation’s economy has strained the budgets of cities large and small, urban and rural, and of all political stripes, putting them on a precarious financial path from which there may be no return.

If congressional action isn’t taken soon to provide direct federal assistance to our nation’s cities, towns, and villages, the future of the vast majority of communities will be in jeopardy.