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Consider American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding for Community-Based Budgeting Projects.
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Staff:
Department:
Amy Oland, Director
Business Management
Sarah Poulton, Senior Project Manager
Town Manager's Office
Overview: Town Council set aside $500,000 of the total ARPA funding of $10.7M for a community-based budgeting pilot. Staff performed an extensive outreach campaign and received over 1,300 total votes on 21 potential projects. Staff will present a recommended funding allocation for community-based budgeting projects based on the community's voting.
Recommendation(s):
That the Council enact the attached project ordinance amendment that allocates funding for electric leaf blowers and mowers for Parks and Recreation; a greenway connector from the new Tanyard Branch affordable housing neighborhood to the Tanyard Branch trail; sidewalk repairs needed for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements; and a van for Parks and Recreation program users needing ADA accommodations which received the most votes through the community-based budgeting initiative.
Decision Points:
* Staff will present the following scenario for the remaining ARPA funds:
Project
Total
Electric Leaf blowers and mowers for Parks and Recreation
$142,000
ADA sidewalk repairs
$100,000
Tanyard Affordable Housing connector greenway
$200,000
ADA van for Parks and Recreation programs
$72,000
Key Issues:
* ARPA funding must be obligated by December 31, 2024.
* Staff informed Town Council on the approach of receiving input on Town projects using the remaining $500,000 of ARPA funding set aside for a community-based budgeting pilot at their April 19, 2023 meeting (https://chapelhill.legistar.com/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=35834&GUID=197ED6B7-3603-4161-9369-2464FC187640)
* There are $14,000 of unused OWASA-awarded ARPA funds from their original allocation due to customers paying their water bill debt.
* Staff have performed over 50 hours of in person events, talked with nearly ...
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