Overview
In 2021, the City of Cleveland received the eighth largest allocation of American Rescue Plan & Recovery Act (ARPA) funds, totaling $512 million over two years. The City received half of these dollars in Fall 2021 and will receive the remainder in Summer 2022.
Mayor Bibb’s Rescue & Transformation Plan outlines a priorities and process for maximizing the use of federal funds including ARPA, the Infrastructure Innovation and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other legislation still under development that is expected over the next few years.
Center for Economic Recovery
A key part of Mayor Bibb’s plan is the launch of the Center for Economic Recovery, a strategic policy team that will engage with Cleveland City Council to shape and evaluate ideas for ARPA-funded projects that address our most urgent challenges.
The Center for Economic Recovery will equitably and strategically assess applications for ARPA-funding using the same evaluation criteria to make strategic decisions to achieve our long-term vision.
Priorities
Mayor Bibb’s Rescue & Transformation Plan identifies ten priorities for federal funding that will make an impact on the everyday lives of Clevelanders.
Stabilizing the Budget
ARPA-funds were primarily intended to assist cities with revenue replacement that was lost due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Inclusive Economic Recovery
We’re moving away from managing decline to making investments that drive growth in Cleveland’s neighborhoods that have been overlooked or excluded in the past.
Housing For All
Affordable housing and investments that drive wealth creation and homeownership.
Violence Prevention & Public Safety
A comprehensive approach to public safety invests in initiatives that address the root causes of violence and crime. We must invest in proven programs focused on proactive intervention and prevention.
Closing the Digital Divide
Thirty percent of residents don’t have internet or reliable Wi-Fi or broadband services. We’re committed to making targeted investments to close the digital divide and make internet access more affordable and accessible.
A Modern & Transparent City Hall
Residents of Cleveland deserve a responsive City Hall that embraces the best practices in constituent engagement. Achieving this requires investment in new technologies, services and process improvements.
Education for Everyone
From newborns to adult learners, from students to CEOs, improving education is the foundation of our future. We must support learning at all ages, inside and outside the classroom to improve literacy rates, college and work readiness.
Lead-safe Cleveland
Cleveland is facing a lead crisis. Nearly 90% of our housing stock was built before lead paint was outlawed. We must put a stop to this public health emergency and make properties lead-safe to ensure no more children are impacted by the dangers of lead exposure.
Arts & Neighborhood Amenities
Cleveland is a city on the rise and our arts, recreation, parks, cultural treasures and other amenities should reflect that.
Civic Participation Fund
Cleveland's 17 wards can identify important neighborhood projects and advocate for change at the hyper-local level in partnership with City Council.
Process
Evaluation Principles
The Center for Economic Recovery will evaluate all requests for funding based on the same set of evaluation principles to ensure all decisions are made strategically, equitably and transparently. In addition to the principles outlined below, the Center will use an Evaluation Guide to assess and evaluate funding requests.
Strategic Alignment
Does this project support the achievement of one of the administration's priority areas for investment?
Measurable Outcomes
Does the project have a clear and measurable effect on the lives of residents with metrics to determine success?
Racial Equity & Inclusion
Does this project increase access and opportunity for the people of Cleveland in a fair, open and equitable way?
Community Impact
Does this initiative have a positive impact on the lives of Clevelanders by increasing their quality of life or by increasing access to jobs and opportunity?
Global Competitiveness & Differentiation
Does the project position Cleveland as a city in which to live, work or build a business? Is it unique or novel?
Financial Leverage & Support
If this project is funded through use of ARPA dollars, are other private, public or non-profit entities committed to financially supporting the initiative?
Longevity
Does this initiative prioritize long-term impact over short term gains?
Environmental Sustainability
Does the project help mitigate climate change and achieve sustainability goals?
Monthly ARPA Reports
2021 Annual Treasury Report
2022 Annual Treasury Report
2023 Annual Treasury Report
ARPA Report as of July 12, 2022
ARPA Report as of August 15, 2022
ARPA Report as of September 15, 2022
ARPA Report as of October 31, 2022
ARPA Report as of November 30, 2022
ARPA Report as of January 19, 2023
ARPA Report as of February 23, 2023
ARPA Report as of July 28, 2023
Related Articles
FAQ
What is the American Rescue Plan?
The American Rescue Plan & Recovery Act (ARPA) is a federal law that was signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021. ARPA focuses on supporting the most vulnerable communities and businesses. The law grants about $1.85 trillion in relief funding for individuals and local governments.
How much funding will Cleveland receive?
Cleveland expects to receive $512 million from the American Rescue Plan. These are one-time funds that must be allocated by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026.
What is the Center for Economic Recovery?
It's a strategic policy team composed of the Mayor’s Cabinet and senior leaders that centralizes all federal funding requests and makes recommendations for investment.
Who is involved?
The Center for Economic Recovery is composed of senior leaders from the Mayor's Cabinet including: the Chief Strategy Officer, Chief of Government Affairs, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Communications Officer, Assistant Director of Law, Chief Ethics Officer, the Commissioner of Health Equity and Social Justice and other senior leaders that will analyze requests for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and use the evaluation principles and guide to make recommendations to Mayor Bibb and City Council for investments.
How can I contact the Center for Economic Recovery?
Questions about Mayor Bibb's Rescue & Transformation Plan or the Center for Economic Recovery can be directed to economicrecovery@clevelandohio.gov.