A new web portal allows Detroiters to see how the city is spending hundreds of millions in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Detroit is receiving $826 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and the city wants to ensure that the public can easily access information about how those funds are being spent, reports Dana Afana. To that end, "The city launched a website to show where the funding is being used and ways Detroiters can get involved. The city thus far programmed $530 million, which City Council approved in June 2021, and is moving forward with compliance reviews and more than 80 initiatives from 15 spending categories, according to the city."
Detroit's ARPA website also has a #TakePart element for residents to find information about community meetings, jobs and special alerts. The website also has a registration page for suppliers, a portal of available bid opportunities, and a section showing which contracts were approved by City Council and those that are pending.
The article lists ARPA-funded projects already underway, such as the Basement Back-up Program, affordable housing for seniors, expansion of social services, and job training and development programs. "Some of the upcoming ARPA-funded programs, which require further approvals and are expected to launch between the spring and fall, include neighborhood beautification grants, blight remediation, an arts alley initiative, Detroit at Work's Learn to Earn, recreation centers, restoration of the unused Detroit Fire Department Ladder 30 facility, Joe Louis Greenway, neighborhood signs and the Detroit Police Department Shot Spotter expansion."
FULL STORY: Detroiters can track how city is spending $826M in American Rescue Plan Act funds
Portland Transportation Bureau Faces ‘Existential’ Cuts
PBOT’s director says the agency’s impending budget shortfall could imperil even basic transportation and infrastructure services.
LA County Receives Reconnecting Communities Grants
Seven grant awards totaling $162 million will be used for planning, capital projects, and regional partnerships to reduce environmental harm and improve access in disadvantaged communities.
Feds Could Take Back ARPA Funding in Debt Ceiling Talks
Aid dollars not yet distributed to states and cities could be part of a Congressional ‘clawback,’ prompting concern from local leaders.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service