The once in a generation investment opportunity envisioned in the American Rescue Plan Act can be both exciting and overwhelming for local governments other beneficiaries. When it comes to the state and local government relief funds, the U.S. Treasury Department must still issue the final rule making to guide eligible uses, reporting requirements and other issues. The official comment period on the Interim Final Rule closed on July 16, 2021 and it could be weeks before the final guidance is issued. Local governments should use this time to identify and document pandemic impacts and carefully plan for this investment opportunity. As many leaders have emphasized, patience is an important pillar in successful ARPA planning.
Given the complexity of the guidelines and opportunities for creative solutions, Centralina is launching a series of peer to peer chats to facilitate exchange among local governments on approaches to spending plan development and implementation of projects in the eligible use categories. Share your ideas, learn from others and ask questions in these quick, 30 min virtual chats. Centralina staff will host the dialogue and insights will be shared out at monthly regional managers group meetings. The ARPA Chat Series is open to all levels of government employees and elected officials. Save the date and register at the links below. For more information email info@centralina.org
- August 12: Planning & Stakeholder Engagement
- August 26: Public Health Expenditures
- September 10: Revenue Replacement & Premium Pay
- September 17: Addressing Negative Economic Impacts
- September 24: Water, Sewer & Broadband Infrastructure