To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: N/A
Prepared By:
prepared
Michelle Halstead, director, commissioners’ office
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presenter
Presenter: Michelle Halstead, director, commissioners’ office
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Subject:
title
10:00 AM *ARPA Funding Follow-Up Discussion
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
In this section you should explain the purpose of the study session, including whether it is informational only, or whether you are asking for direction from the BOCC. If you are asking for direction, this section should include a concise description of the direction that is being requested.
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Background and Discussion: The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill signed into law March 2021. The goal of ARPA is to support public health response, address negative economic impacts resulting from or exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health emergency, replace public sector revenue loss, address premium pay for essential workers, and invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. The legislation builds on the CARES Act funding from last year, which provided Arapahoe County $114 million in one-time funding.
Earlier this year, the Board updated its Response & Recovery Plan Goals and Objectives and expanded its list of initial programmatic areas for potential funding consideration. The Board also held 14 stakeholder outreach meetings to understand community needs and solicit funding proposals. Based on U.S. Treasury Guidance and stakeholder input, an interdisciplinary staff team presented an allocation approach as well as evaluation criteria matrix to help inform future Board decision-making. This information was presented at a Sept. 21, 2021, study session and received Board approval to move forward. During a Sept. 28, 2021, study session, the Board approved using ARPA funding for four initial proposals within the County operational bucket as well as affirmed the approach for evaluating future investments.
There are five proposals within the vulnerable populations bucket that staff is seeking Board direction on to utilize ARPA funds. See attached presentation for reference.
Fiscal Impact: $8.575 million
Alternatives: The Board could decline not to move forward with these requests as presented.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☐Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends funding these investments with ARPA funds.
Concurrence: County Attorney’s Office, Finance Department, Human Resources Department, Community Resources Department, Sheriff’s Office.