Spending Summary
The City of Boulder is considering how to allocate its $20.15 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to help our community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This funding presents an opportunity to support both short-term recovery, and long-term initiatives that advance the city's equity, sustainability and resilience goals.
Here is a snapshot of how initial funding has been spent and a look forward at recommendations for future areas of focus.
Immediate Funding
The first round of ARPA funding was approved by City Council in September 2021 to support community members, businesses and arts organizations that were most impacted by the pandemic through meeting immediate needs and service restoration.
Second Funding Round
The second round of ARPA funding was approved in March 2022 and focuses on supporting continued pandemic recovery with a transformative approach, while considering the city's resilience, equity and sustainability goals. Funding criteria include:
- Advance racial equity, sustainability and resilience goals
- Meet a need created or exacerbated by the pandemic
- Reflect an innovative approach
- Leverage funding through partnerships and other sources
Third Funding Round
Recommendations for this funding round are still being explored. Final recommendations for this round of funding will focus on long-term pandemic recovery, coordination with Boulder County and City Council's policy direction.