Thread by @GreaterOhio

The final rules for #ARPA are still pending, but that hasn’t stopped cities & counties from starting to think about, collect input on, and deploy these important resources. This week’s #GOPCThread highlights themes we’re seeing in #Ohio.

.@ICMA surveyed its members thru mid-Sept ’21 and found, nationally, top priorities for local #ARPA $ were 1) sewer & water infrastructure improvements and 2) revenue replacement #GOPCThread
icma.org/articles/artic…

Many communities in Ohio have announced they will be allocating funds to reduce debts created by the pandemic; some munis + counties, like, @CityofMansfield, have already allocated their funds. #GOPCThread

Beyond replacing revenue, Ohio local govs, like @city_of_toledo, @cityofsandusky, @WarrenCityOhio are establishing priorities and gathering input on specific projects through resident surveys, public input mtgs, & Advisory Task Forces #GOPCThread
cdn.toledo.oh.gov/uploads/docume…

Broadly speaking, Ohio cities + counties are prioritizing infrastructure, gov’t services (incl. safety services), resident stability (incl. housing + health), and biz recovery. We outline common themes and unique project proposals below #GOPCThread

INFRASTUCTURE: Many places, like @ClvHtsGov & Trumbull Co, are making large sewer & water commitments. Paired w/ @OhioDevelopment’s new program + the new #IIJA $$, these funds will be game changing for legacy cities #GOPCThread

Clark Co, Coshocton Co, Trumbull Co, & others have allocated $$ to expand broadband + Wi-Fi access to households in areas that currently have no highspeed internet service #GOPCThread

GOV’T SERVICES: As part of recovering and stabilizing local gov services, several cities—like Dayton, Toledo, and Cleveland—are training new police and fire recruits and/or providing new equipment/facilities. #GOPCThread
npr.org/2021/10/18/104…

Richland Co is allocating ARPA funds to build a 4th Courtroom at the County building; this will help bond cases move faster and create more space for socially distanced trials and jury deliberations #GOPCThread
richlandsource.com/news/richland-…

RESIDENT STABILITY: .@LakewoodOhio allocated rent help this summer. Hamilton Co is expected to allocate $ for mortgage help. Springfield will allocate $ for homelessness services + #affordablehousing. Housing stability is a priority use of ARPA funds.

Mahoning Co has allocated funds for facility improvements to a nonprofit health care center, which receives funding from the county, city and state agencies. Health is priority spending area for ARPA funds. #GOPCThread
vindy.com/news/local-new…

.@CityofCleveland has allocated funds for capital improvements to 2 @CleFoodBank facilities to serve more clients. Many op-eds and advocates are urging other communities to use their #ARPA funds to ensure food security among residents #GOPCThread
ohiofoodbanks.org/how-to-help/

QUALITY OF LIFE: Mayor @wadekaps of @city_of_toledo has proposed using #ARPA funds to build a new YMCA that can provide youth programming, sports, & rec. This investment will help improve community health outcomes #GOPCThread
cdn.toledo.oh.gov/uploads/docume…

.@CityofCleveland & @CityofYOU will help stabilize families + neighborhoods by demolishing >500 blighted residential properties in each city, using #ARPA funding. This will improve housing + health outcomes for residents #GOPCThread

BIZ RECOVERY: Many places are using #ARPA $ to con’t funding #SmBiz recovery grants + low interest loan programs that were started under #CARES. Some places are focusing on restaurants/bars, minority-owned bizs or commercial districts #GOPCThread
cleveland.com/community/2021…

In summer ‘21, Franklin Co allocated #ARPA funds to help bolster the hard-hit sports & tourism industry and workforce. Other places are considering similar tourism-industry relief allocations. #GOPCThread
commissioners.franklincountyohio.gov/news/2021/inve…

Some places, like Franklin Co. + Hamilton Co. are keeping residents informed of ARPA allocations through online dashboards and detailed reports. In other places, the local media outlets are doing detailed reporting.
commissioners.franklincountyohio.gov/arp

Several counties, including Richland and Clark, have hired ARPA coordinators to help ensure funds are maximized and projects implemented quickly. #GOPCThread
springfieldnewssun.com/news/clark-cou…

Project and Expenditure reports are due 1/31/22 for states, direct allocation cities and counties; and 4/30/22 for non-entitlement units (those municipalities and counties that received their funds through @Ohio_OBM
home.treasury.gov/system/files/1…

The Project and Expenditure reports will be a good glimpse into the emerging priorities that have received funding. Stay tuned!