AKRON, Ohio — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.
The City of Akron passed legislation on Monday that allows federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to be invested back into the community.
Over the course of two years, the city will receive approximately $145 million in an effort to combat the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and bring back jobs.
“With this infusion of federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, we have a unique opportunity to address longstanding challenges that have been exasperated by the pandemic," said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. "I encourage residents to submit their ideas online or share their priorities in a series of informational and listening sessions happening across the City. We look forward to getting this money out to the community quickly so that residents in need can take advantage of this important lifeline and start rebuilding the essential connective tissue that will make our neighborhoods stronger long into the future.”
The federal government has issued specific guidelines for the funding. Eligible uses include, responding to negative economic impacts supporting the public health response, investing in certain infrastructure, and stabilizing the City budget including providing premium pay to essential workers.
Mayor Horrigan has proposed the following six key areas and potential projects for the funds to be invested:
Violence Prevention
• Youth Violence Prevention Grant Community Program
• Surveillance Cameras and Neighborhood Doorbell Cameras
Parks & Public Places
• Summit Lake Recreational Access
• Lock 3 Vision Plan
• Community Recreation Center Revitalization
Public Utilities
• Water Main and Lead Service Line Replacement
• Akron Cares – Utility Bill Assistance
• Minor Plumbing Repair Grant Program
Access to Healthcare & Social Services
• Financial Coaches
• Community Health Center support
Housing
• Housing Rehabilitation Grants for Qualified Homeowners
• Down Payment Assistance Program
• New Affordable Housing Construction Financing
Small Business Growth
• Business Mentorship Program
• Main Street Retail Draft Program
The funds must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024 and be spent by Dec. 31, 2026. Half of that funding has already been received and the other half will be dispersed to the City next spring.
For more information, click here.
*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.