To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: N/A
Prepared By:
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Michelle Halstead, Director, Board of County Commissioners’ Office
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presenter
Presenter: Michelle Halstead, Director, Board of County Commissioners’ Office
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Subject:
title
2:00 PM *ARPA Funding Follow-Up Discussion
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this study session is to consider requests for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding associated with the homelessness programmatic area.
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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. During the October 19, 2021, study session, the Board approved using funding for five proposals within the vulnerable populations bucket. During the November 2, 2021, study session the Board approved funding for four proposals within the mental health bucket, setting aside funding for another project that requires additional research and information prior to final approval. Previous study sessions are linked for reference.
The purpose of this study session is to review eight potential investments submitted in the homelessness programmatic area. At this time, six of the proposals are in a conceptual phase and require additional details to inform a final eligibility determination, while one is better suited for general government funding. Staff is seeking a better understanding of the Board’s interest in further pursuing these concepts as well as what additional information is desired by the Board to help inform their decision-making. Please refer to the presentation, project sheets, and updated project list for reference.
Fiscal Impact: If approved, the fiscal impact of funding the project as presented would be $1,500,000.
Alternatives: The Board could decline 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 the eviction pilot program proposal with ARPA funds. Additional direction and guidance is requested to understand Board priorities for the other requests within this programmatic area.
Concurrence: County Attorney’s Office, Finance Department, Human Resources Department, Human Services Department, Community Resources Department.