The Phoenix City Council has approved a plan for spending $198 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funding. ARPA, a
$1.9 trillion economic stimulus plan passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in March, will distribute federal monies to states, tribes and cities to help lessen the damage done over the previous year by the COVID-19 pandemic. Phoenix will ultimately receive approximately $396 million over the next two years, delivered in two equal allocations.
The council’s plan, which focuses on the first allocation, will include $10 million for workforce training and wrap-around services for job seekers; $8 million for assisting small businesses that are still struggling and an addition $2 million for helping small operations find, train and retain employees; and $2.75 million for arts and culture organizations. The plan also allocates nearly $29 million for education-related programs for children and youth; $28 million for families struggling to pay rent, mortgage and utilities; $31.5 million to provide services for individuals, families and veterans experiencing homelessness; and $5 million for COVID-19 vaccination programs.
“This plan takes care of our residents, from the youngest to the most senior,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “Businesses are still hurting from the effects of the COVID recession. We will help them get back on their feet. Older adults will be able to receive healthy food and dementia care, and children will have access to technology to help them learn and activities to keep them engaged after school.”
