Commission Directs the City Manager’s Office to Lead ARPA

This is a discussion on the American Rescue Plan funds to include the guidance from the Commission on how to proceed with proposal selection. On May 13, 2021, the City Commission directed the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) to develop an Equity Covid Budget Tool to assist with the equitable spending of the American Rescue Plan funding of $32 Million. On May 27, 2021, the Commission reviewed and adopted the Equity Covid Budget tool and assigned the timeline for implementation. The OEI evaluated proposals from Commissioners and community applicants returning all applications for review to the Commission. At the 8/5 City Commission meeting, the Commission directed staff to submit a matrix of all existing proposals by project name and requested a special meeting to discuss proposals.

The City Commission authorize:

1. City Manager’s Office lead effort to streamline matrix and place data into usage categories.
2. Charters collectively review and make recommendations for ARP funds.
3. Charters propose methodology for how community partners can access ARP funds.
4. Charters bring the above items back to the October 21st City Commission meeting for review, discussion and approval.