Title
Resolution to Appropriate American Rescue Plan Funding ($24,182,630.00) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
In 2021 the City of Ann Arbor was informed that it would be awarded $24,182,630.00 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Following the notice, City Council directed the City Administrator to prepare a plan for allocating the funds. On October 1, 2021 the City Administrator communicated to Council potential eligible projects and recommended a public engagement campaign to help prioritize the funds.
On October 18, 2021, City Council adopted resolution #R-21-396 which directed the 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 provided a report on the outcome of the public engagement campaign and the final recommendation for Council’s consideration. Subsequently, City Council approved resolution #R-22-096, which directed final funding allocations/projects.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: American Rescue Plan Funds have not been previously appropriated and are not included in the City Administrator’s FY 2023 Annual Budget recommendation; therefore, in order to establish project budgets and begin spending in accordance with resolution #R-22-096, funding must be appropriated to amend the City’s budget.
Staff
Prepared by: Marti Praschan, CFO & Financial Services Area Administrator
Reviewed by: Michelle Landis, Senior Assistant City Attorney
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 a total of $24,182,630.00 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 American Rescue Plan funds;
Whereas, Throughout the summer of 2021 staff reviewed the federal regulations that guide this program, evaluated city needs and priorities as set by City 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 2022, attracting 250 attendees to public meetings and garnering more than 2,500 responses to an online survey and budgeting tool;
Whereas, On February 25, 2022 the City Administrator provided a report on the outcome of the public engagement campaign and a recommendation for Council’s consideration; and
Whereas, On April 4, 2022 City Council adopted resolution #R-22-096, which directed the final project allocation for ARPA Funds;
RESOLVED, That $24,182,630.00 of American Rescue Plan funds received from the federal government be appropriated to the Major Grants Program Fund (00MG); thereby, increasing the revenue and expenditure budget (00MG);
RESOLVED, That project budgets be established and expensed in the Major Grants Program Fund in accordance with City Council adopted resolution #R-22-096;
RESOLVED, That the project funding be made available without regard to fiscal year; and
RESOLVED, That City Council authorize the Mayor, City Clerk and City Administrator to execute all documents necessary to complete the Grant requirements, after approval as to form by the City Attorney.