Smaller jurisdictions and community-based organizations often lack staff capacity, financial reserves, and grant-writing support, leaving them disadvantaged in securing and managing funding. With limited personnel—sometimes a single staff member handling complex applications—they depend heavily on external consultants, draining scarce resources and sidelining local expertise. Wealthier cities with in-house teams are better positioned to compete, reinforcing inequities and limiting sustained local capacity.
Challenge/Local/State
