In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to provide state, local, and Tribal governments with the resources needed to respond to the pandemic and its economic effects and to build a stronger, more equitable economy during the recovery.
ARPA allocated $57.6 million to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government. Funds may be used for costs incurred beginning on March 3, 2021 and were required to be allocated by December 31, 2024. The final rule provides that the period of performance will run until December 31, 2026.
On March 1, 2022, the Mayor & Commission authorized the allocation of ARPA funds for specific uses and designated program areas ("buckets") including Youth Development and Violence Prevention, Affordable Housing, Homelessness, Business Development and Workforce Support, and Behavioral Health.
All funds were obligated and contracts executed prior to the December 2024 deadline. Staff continue to oversee contracts to ensure ARPA funds are spent in accordance with contract goals and all federal, state, and local regulations.
ARPA Funding Goals
Create and preserve affordable housing in Athens-Clarke County.
Develop safe, immersive, and inclusive programming to prevent violence and insure that Athens area youth social-emotional, educational, and developmental needs are met.
Provide, facilitate and prepare a comprehensive, short and long-term plan to reduce and prevent homelessness.
Support local business development and improve workforce wages & conditions.
Emphasize behavioral health through program development and mental health resources.
