Title
Resolution to Direct the Allocation of ARPA Funds
Memorandum
In 2021 the City of Ann Arbor was informed that it would be awarded $24.2 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Following that notice, the City Council directed the City Administrator to prepare a plan for allocating the funds. On October 1, 2021 the City Administrator sent a plan to Council outlining potential eligible projects and recommending a public engagement campaign to help prioritize the funds. Following that, City Council adopted resolution R-21-396 which so directed a public engagement campaign and directed the City Administrator to provide a final allocation plan by March 1, 2022. Staff engaged in a robust public engagement campaign in January and February of 2022 which resulted in more than 250 attendees at virtual town halls and more than 2,500 participants in an online survey. On February 25, 2022, the City Administrator communicated a report on the outcome of the public engagement campaign and final draft recommendation for Council’s approval.
Staff
Prepared by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
Reviewed by: Marti Praschan, CFO
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., Interim City Administrator
Body
Whereas, On March 11, 2021 the American Rescue Plan was enacted, creating a program for state and local government relief related to the economic conditions created by the COVID-19 Pandemic;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor will receive $24,182,630 from the federal government related to this program;
Whereas, On June 7, 2021 the Ann Arbor City Council adopted resolution R-21-215 which directed the City Administrator to provide a recommendation for prioritizing the allocation of the ARPA funds;
Whereas, Throughout the summer of 2021 staff reviewed the federal regulations that guide this program, evaluated city needs and priorities as set by the Council, and considered which initiatives would be the best fit for these funds;
Whereas, On October 1, 2021 the City Administrator provided a plan to the Council for the allocation of funds, and subsequently thereafter the Council endorsed a public engagement campaign to help prioritize the funds;
Whereas, A public engagement campaign was held in January and February of 2022, attracting 250 attendees to public meetings and garnering more than 2,500 responses to an online survey and budgeting tool; and
Whereas, On February 25, 2022 the City Administrator provided a report on the outcome of the public engagement campaign and final draft recommendation for Council’s consideration;
RESOLVED, The City Council directs the City Administrator to implement the following allocation of ARPA funds, and to take all necessary steps to facilitate their expenditure including the preparation of budget resolutions that must come back to the Council for final approval:
|
Project |
Funding Amount |
Completes Initiative? |
|
Housing for Homeless Households |
$1,000,000 |
Yes |
|
Unarmed Response |
$3,500,000 |
No |
|
Galvanized Water Service Line Replacement |
$2,000,000 |
Yes |
|
Property Acquisition for Affordable Housing |
$3,500,000 |
Yes |
|
Coordinated Funding Support |
$1,682,630 |
- |
|
Gallup Park Bridge |
$2,300,000 |
Yes (bridge only) |
|
Universal Basic Income |
$1,600,000 |
Yes |
|
Solar on City Facilities |
$4,500,000 |
No |
|
City Clerk Election Center |
$1,000,000 |
Yes |
|
Funding for the Arts |
$500,000 |
- |
|
Community and Law Enforcement Data Platform |
$500,000 |
No |
|
Vision Zero Plan Implementation |
$2,000,000 |
No |
|
Liberty Plaza |
$100,000 |
No |
Approved Amendments to the Allocation of ARPA Funds
Amendment to Include Resident Support Services Funding in the Property Acquisition for Affordable Housing
Whereas, Resident supportive services are important to increase housing stability and reduce homelessness;
Whereas, Support service demands have increased during the pandemic; and
Whereas, Multiyear supportive services funding demonstrates a commitment that can increase odds of accessing approval for Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC);
RESOLVED, That City Council approve funding in the amount of $500,000 for resident supportive services for the residents of the housing acquired with ARPA funds within the $3,500,000 property acquisition for affordable housing allocation.
Sponsors: Song, Eyer, Grand, Disch, Taylor
Amendment to Include Arts-Based Trauma Programs as part of the Funding for the Arts Allocation of ARPA Funds
Whereas, The pandemic has had an inordinate and traumatic impact on youth and BIPOC communities; and
Whereas, Trauma is informed by structural racism as noted in Council’s July 2020 resolution asserting racism is a public health crisis;
Whereas, Innovative arts programming can address pandemic recovery in youth and BIPOC mental health; and
Whereas, The arts-based workforce has not been sufficiently supported in relief funding;
RESOLVED, That the City Council approve up to $200,000 for arts-based trauma programs from the $500,000 allocation of ARPA funds for Funding for the Arts.
Sponsors: Song, Eyer, Disch, Grand
As Amended and Approved by Ann Arbor City Council on April 4, 2022.