Closing out 2024, the Thriving Communities Program transformed a $5.1 million investment into an outstanding $180.1 million in grant awards—a remarkable 35-fold return on investment and an impressive success rate of more than 80% for the 15 Networked Communities across America selected in 2023.

As a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) capacity builder, The Ray’s technical advisory expertise in the transportation sector, along with its partners Arcadis, InfraStrategies, and Beverly Scott Associates, has accomplished unprecedented success on behalf of the following communities: 

The Thriving Communities Program made significant strides in the latter half of 2024, empowering the 15 Networked Communities to advance their locally-driven projects. The Ray, Arcadis, InfraStrategies, and Beverly Scott and Associates provided extensive support, focusing on executing work plans developed earlier in the year, conducting community site visits, and assisting with grant applications, partnership coordination, and workforce development.

Leading up to the 2024 Thriving Communities Convening in Washington, D.C., the program pushed many of its collaborative projects to completion, culminating in the highly successful end-of-the-year gathering. This event, held at USDOT Headquarters during the second week in December, brought together 64 communities and capacity builders to share best practices and lessons learned. The Ray played a crucial role in maximizing community participation, celebrating a major milestone for the program—$180.1 million in total grant awards. The Ray and its partners’ ongoing support in grant writing, partnership coordination, technical advising, and workforce development education proved invaluable to the communities’ achievements.