Mayors' Institute on City Design (MICD), FY 2026

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is soliciting applications for a cooperative agreement to manage the Mayors’ Institute on City Design (MICD), a national leadership initiative that has operated since 1986. This initiative convenes mayors and design professionals in collaborative institutes to address complex urban design challenges. Through structured workshops, participating mayors receive guidance on urban design issues such as downtown revitalization, public building design, transportation planning, and waterfront redevelopment. The MICD aims to elevate design literacy among civic leaders and foster solutions that enhance livability and equity in American cities. The NEA will award a single cooperative agreement, valued up to $540,000, contingent upon fund availability. The chosen cooperator must contribute a minimum 50% cost share, equivalent to at least $270,000. The award supports up to five MICD National and Special Session Institutes annually, plus a range of communications, alumni engagement, and digital archiving activities. The NEA will be substantially involved throughout, approving institute content, staff appointments, communications, budgets, and post-institute materials. Applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, state or local government units, or federally recognized tribal entities, with a minimum five-year track record in urban design-related policy and practice. Ineligible applicants include individuals, for-profits, and organizations applying through fiscal sponsors. Entities must also have active SAM.gov registration and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by January 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Required components include a federal assistance form, narrative, bios, budget, and optional support materials. The narrative must detail the applicant’s mission, relevant experience, institute delivery plan, mayoral recruitment strategy, communication approach, and key planning milestones. All materials must follow strict formatting and submission standards outlined in the NOFO. Proposals will be evaluated based on artistic excellence and merit. Reviewers will assess the quality and feasibility of the proposed work plan, depth of relevant expertise, capacity to engage diverse mayors, and clarity of budget. The final decision rests with the NEA Chair, following panel and National Council on the Arts recommendations. Award announcements are expected in late April 2026, and the project period will begin no earlier than October 1, 2026, extending for up to 18 months. This opportunity recurs annually, and the NEA may enter into up to four subsequent agreements with the selected cooperator, contingent on performance and funding availability.

Demonstrate deep understanding of city design policy; clearly explain implementation and recruitment strategy; ensure NEA compliance in communications and materials.