EDITED: White House Office of Management and Budget Rescinds Federal Funding Freeze

Edited at 5:00 PM EST: On January 29, 2025, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memorandum (M-25-14) rescinding the January 27 OMB Memorandum (M-25-13), which temporarily paused all Federal Government grants and loans, including U.S. Department of Transportation grants and loans.

This action follows on the heels of U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan ordering a temporary stay of OMB Memorandum M-25-13 until February 3, minutes prior to it taking effect on Tuesday evening.

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This week, President Trump issued an executive order freezing all federal grants, a decision that has created uncertainty for organizations across the nation—including Citilink. Federal funding plays a critical role in ensuring we can provide reliable, accessible, and equitable transportation for our community. While the full impact of this decision is still unclear, we want to share what we know and how we’re responding.

On January 27, 2025, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memorandum (M-25-13) temporarily pausing all federal grants and loans, including those from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This pause is part of a broader effort to review federal financial assistance programs in alignment with new executive orders. While OMB has since clarified that not all programs are affected, it remains uncertain how this will impact the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grants that fund critical public transit operations.

Federal grants are a vital resource for public transit agencies like Citilink. They help fund operational costs, infrastructure projects, and essential programs that connect people to jobs, healthcare, education, and more. This freeze could delay key projects and impact our ability to serve you effectively. However, please know that we are already taking steps to advocate for our community and seek exceptions to this freeze through the FTA and the Office of Budget Management (OMB).

One thing to note is that a federal judge has blocked the funding freeze until Monday next week, when a hearing to review the legality will be held. While this provides temporary relief, the long-term outcome remains uncertain, and we will continue to monitor developments closely.

This announcement comes as we prepare to observe Transit Equity Day, a time to reflect on the importance of equitable access to transportation for all members of our community. It underscores how much work remains to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive. Public transit is more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s a lifeline that connects people to opportunities, services, and each other.

Our mission remains the same: to link people to life. Despite these challenges, our commitment to providing safe, equitable, and sustainable mobility services will not waver. We believe that public transit is an essential service that strengthens our community, and we are doing everything in our power to minimize any potential disruptions.

We promise to keep you informed as we learn more. Transparency and open communication are important to us, and we encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns. Whether you’re a rider, partner, or advocate, we are here to listen and support you as we navigate this together.

Thank you for trusting Citilink to be part of your daily journey. We will continue to prioritize your needs and work tirelessly to ensure our community remains connected and empowered.

Together, we can face these challenges and keep moving forward. No matter what, the wheels will keep rolling as we link people to life. Stay tuned for updates as we learn more.