# Access for All Communities Act of 2022

This bill creates a new online resource center to help struggling communities find money and support for economic development. The Department of Commerce will set up what's called the "Economic Development Resource Clearinghouse"—basically a one-stop website where local leaders, business owners, and community organizations can discover federal and state grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs designed to help their area grow economically.

The bill targets what it calls "capacity-constrained communities," which are places that lack the resources, expertise, or infrastructure to develop their economies on their own. Think of rural towns with limited job opportunities, post-industrial cities struggling after factories closed, or regions that have been left behind by economic growth. Right now, these communities often don't know what help is available because assistance programs are scattered across different government agencies and websites. This clearinghouse brings everything together in one place so local leaders don't have to hunt through dozens of government websites to find funding for projects like small business development, workforce training, infrastructure improvements, or other economic initiatives.

The Department of Commerce has six months to launch the website and must update it at least once a year to keep information current. They'll also have to report to Congress annually about what resources are available, how well they're promoting the clearinghouse, and what other policy changes might help struggling communities. Essentially, this bill removes a barrier that currently prevents many communities from accessing money and programs that could help them create jobs and build stronger local economies.

Access for All Communities Act of 2022

Tonko, Paul

Access for All Communities Act of 2022 This bill requires the Economic Development Administration to establish an online clearinghouse to increase awareness about federal and state programs, grants, loans, and other assistance available to support economic development in capacity-constrained communities.