Analyzing the opportunities for rural America in IIJA, CHIPS, and IRA

The Brookings Institution, a leading nonpartisan think tank known for in-depth policy research, recently analyzed how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act create opportunities for rural America. Their report estimates that roughly $464 billion—about 45% of appropriated funds—are “rural-significant,” but it also highlights serious barriers such as match requirements, staffing shortages, and the complexity of navigating more than 100 new federal programs. While these laws could modernize infrastructure, expand broadband, and accelerate clean energy transitions, the benefits will depend on whether rural communities have the technical capacity to compete with larger jurisdictions. This mirrors Aspen CSG’s emphasis on building rural capacity and simplifying access so local leaders can seize historic investments and ensure equitable impact across small towns and communities.