Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program
Supports Flexible federal grants for communities where prime age employment significantly lags the national average.
The Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program sits under the U.S. Economic Development Administration and targets communities where prime-age employment lags the national average. Authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, it is designed to create good jobs and connect residents to them in places facing persistent distress. The first phase awarded $184 million to six communities in August 2024, after 565 applications were narrowed to 22 finalists. Awards ran from $20 million to $40 million per community, and the program is structured as a one-off cycle rather than an annual competition. As of June 2026, no new notice of funding opportunity has been posted. The program fits place-based coalitions that can show a credible regional plan, labor-market need, and a path from investment to jobs. Eligible applicants are nonprofits, universities, and research organizations in the United States; for-profits and individuals are not eligible. The strongest proposals are those that can tie economic distress to implementation partners and measurable employment outcomes.
No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: One-off.