The city of Jamestown won’t receive nearly $1 million in federal funding that had been allocated under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

City officials are working to adapt to both the discontinuation of certain funding programs and the prolonged stagnation of key recurring state aid.

In March, the city was informed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that funding previously designated under the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government Program would no longer be administered. The $982,632 designation had been intended for a housing retrofit project aimed at improving indoor air quality and energy efficiency in select city neighborhoods.

The EJG2G Program, created under Section 138 of the Clean Air Act through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, supports government partnerships with community organizations to implement measurable environmental and public health improvements in underserved areas. Jamestown’s proposed project would have involved working with local nonprofits to conduct home energy audits, structural upgrades, and full conversions to electric systems in homes located within designated census tracts identified for community reinvestment. Pre- and post-project assessments were expected to track energy savings, emissions reductions, and air quality improvements.

While the project will not move forward under the original funding, officials emphasized that housing improvement remains a city priority.

“Although this particular award will no longer be funded, our goals remain unchanged,” Crystal Surdyk, Director of Development said. “We continue to pursue a wide range of funding opportunities to support our housing stock and community development efforts.”

In addition to specific funding fluctuations, the city is also managing long-standing challenges related to state-level support, particularly Aid and Incentives for Municipalities . AIM is a recurring funding stream from New York State intended to support basic operations in cities, towns, and villages. For Jamestown, AIM funding has remained flat at $4.57 million annually for well over a decade, while the cost of delivering services has continued to rise. Adjusted for inflation, AIM’s purchasing power has decreased by nearly 30% since 2011, limiting the city’s ability to respond to evolving community needs.

In the most recent state budget, New York temporarily increased AIM through a one-time $50 million allocation under the Temporary Municipal Assistance program, bringing total AIM-related funding statewide to roughly $758 million. However, this increase is not permanent and may not be included in future state budgets.

Rising costs for materials, labor, utilities, and equipment continue to challenge municipal budgets.

“We are being asked to do more with the same resources,” Joseph Calimeri, Executive Assistant to the Mayor said. “This situation demands careful financial management, strategic planning, and a persistent search for alternative funding.”

Calimeri also underscored the need for consistent and increased state support moving forward.

“We stand united with our partners at the New York Conference of Mayors in advocating for a permanent increase to AIM funding in future state budgets,” he said. “Stable and enhanced support is essential for cities like Jamestown to meet growing needs and maintain critical services for residents.”

Despite these challenges, the city continues to prioritize investments in housing, public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. Department leaders and staff remain focused on aligning local priorities with available resources, while actively pursuing competitive funding opportunities at regional, state, and national levels.

“Adaptability is key,” Surdyk said. “We are focused on aligning available funding with community needs and continuing to move forward on projects that benefit Jamestown residents.”