Getting a capital project funded isn’t just about having a good idea—it’s about aligning that idea with funding goals, supporting data, and the right timing. Each year, as municipalities and local governments close out the fiscal year and prepare for the next, budget conversations intensify between December and February. During this critical window, public works and finance teams face the challenge of navigating complex priorities to secure limited funding. All too often, well-planned capital projects fall short, not because they lack value, but because they weren’t strategically positioned within the funding process.
Megan Powell, Funding Team Lead for North Carolina at WithersRavenel, shares key strategies for local governments to better position their projects for success and bridge the gap between planning and funding.
Communication is the First Bridge
Communication is the foundation of successful budget alignment, both internally across departments and externally with elected officials and stakeholders.
“If you can’t tell them what you need and why you need it, you’re likely not going to get that funding,” Megan says.
That “why” is essential. It transforms a project from a wishlist item to a community priority, something that decision-makers and residents alike can understand and support.
Data Makes the Case
But good communication must be backed by hard evidence. Without data, even the most compelling pitch can fall flat.
Local governments that take a data-driven approach to capital planning are better positioned to succeed. That means leveraging metrics like:
- Facility usage rates
- Staffing workloads
- Asset condition ratings
These indicators give substance to funding requests, connecting projects to measurable performance and long-term community outcomes.
From Vision to Action
The path to funding doesn’t begin at the budget meeting; it starts with a shared vision. Proactive steps include:
- Board visioning sessions to align leadership on goals
- Identifying resource gaps early in the planning cycle
- Setting clear priorities and timelines that reflect both immediate needs and strategic objectives
“When leadership is aligned from the start, it creates a unified message that strengthens your funding requests and keeps everyone moving toward the same goal,” Megan emphasizes.
A Team That Knows the Process
WithersRavenel understands that navigating the funding process can be complex. That’s why we’ve built a dedicated finance team that works alongside local governments to administer critical programs, move initiatives forward, and make project funding not only possible but repeatable.
Whether you’re just beginning your capital planning process or you’re revisiting how to better position your projects for success, we’re here to help.
Let’s bridge the gap together!
