The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill, was signed into law March 11, 2021. The bill includes $350 billion in assistance to state and local governments. Fairfax City is slated to receive approximately $29.6 million. A public hearing is slated for Dec. 14.
Eligible uses for ARPA funding include:
- Supporting public health expenditures;
- Addressing the negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency;
- Replacing lost public sector revenue;
- Providing premium pay for essential workers; and
- Investing in water, sewer, stormwater, and broadband infrastructure. (For some communities across the U.S., access toContinue reading
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill, was signed into law March 11, 2021. The bill includes $350 billion in assistance to state and local governments. Fairfax City is slated to receive approximately $29.6 million. A public hearing is slated for Dec. 14.
Eligible uses for ARPA funding include:
- Supporting public health expenditures;
- Addressing the negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency;
- Replacing lost public sector revenue;
- Providing premium pay for essential workers; and
- Investing in water, sewer, stormwater, and broadband infrastructure. (For some communities across the U.S., access to safe water and the management of wastewater is a critical challenge. This is not the case in Fairfax City.)
A preliminary spending plan for the city’s allocation of ARPA funds was presented and discussed with City Council at its Sept. 18 offsite meeting. Staff met with the various stakeholders to inform and receive preliminary feedback on each group’s general funding priorities and goals relating to the city’s allocation of ARPA funds.
Staff has had discussions with the following stakeholders:
- Economic Development Authority
- Planning Commission
- Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
- Commission on the Arts
- Environmental Sustainability Committee
- Human Services Committee
- City of Fairfax Public Schools
A revised spending plan was presented to City Council during its Oct. 26 work session. Key benefits of the presented spending plan include:
1. Qualified Parks & Recreation Capital Projects
Address negative economic impacts on certain populations, households, or geographic areas that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic:
Fairfax City desires to make capital investments to provide additional, as well as improved, outdoor spaces that will benefit economically disadvantaged communities within the city, promote healthier living environments, outdoor recreation, and socialization to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
- New facilities to support programs and services designed to build stronger neighborhoods
- Given the small geographic size of the city and free bus service, all parks and recreational facilities are reasonably accessible to all low-income residents of the city
- Certain parks/recreational facilities will be located adjacent to lower-income neighborhoods
- Certain recreational improvements will be made to schools that, as evidenced by the large percentage of children qualifying for free lunches, will demonstrably serve low-income residents of the city
2. Qualified Revenue Loss Expenditures
Replace lost public sector revenue
Fairfax City can continue to provide valuable public services and help ensure that fiscal austerity measures do not hamper broader economic recovery. Governmental services include but are not limited to:
- Maintenance of infrastructure
- Pay-go spending for building new infrastructure (including roads)
- Modernization of cybersecurity (including hardware, software, and protection of critical infrastructure)
- Health services
- Environmental remediation
- School/educational services
- Provision of police, fire, and other public safety services
Now, City Council would like to hear from you. What are your spending priorities? Please use the tools below to share your feedback. Ideas and suggestions will be accepted until Dec. 14.
