Agenda - 06-15-2021; 6-c - American Rescue Plan Act Funding Allocations

Browse Search

3 access to those programs, a team of County department directors will be convening bi-weekly to ensure efficient and user friendly processes. The Housing and Community Development Department also requested a total of $4 million annually in direct assistance to households throughout the County. However, during the past year, municipalities have contributed federal funds as well as local funds to help support their residents. This partnership would allow the County to potentially repurpose funds currently designated for emergency housing support. County staff have initiated discussions with Town staff about jointly funding this program, but the Towns may not make final funding recommendations until later in the summer. County staff have also been exploring a cost share framework to support the Street Outreach, Harm Reduction, and Deflection program that would be sustainable in the long run after federal funding is exhausted. Finally, the County's Broadband Task Force is closely monitoring State and Federal programs where the County's ARPA investments may leverage outside funding support. That group will continue to meet over the summer to recommended a design and implementation approach that can be executed swiftly and can leverage those outside funding partnerships. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The County is designated to receive a total of $28,839,722 in American Rescue Plan Act funds. One half of the funds have already been drawn down while the remaining half will be available in twelve months. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status. • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impact associated with this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve an allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds to be distributed for use upon adoption of this abstract. Options 1 and 2 (attached) offer suggestions for that allocation. Once a final spending plan is adopted, the Manager also recommends that the Board receive quarterly reports on the status and rate of expenditure as well as any new or emerging needs so that the Board may make adjustments to the spending plan in the future.