Tri-City Sun

Saginaw, Mi – The City of Saginaw would like to provide citizens with an update on the final allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as approved by City Council at the January 13 Strategic Planning Session.

The main discussion topic for the Strategic Planning Session was the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in the area of Youth and Development and Workforce Development. David Sernick, Project Manager with Guidehouse, provided an update on current allocations of ARPA funding and recapped City Council’s recommended allocations for Youth and Development and Workforce Development. City administration also updated Council Members on necessary city infrastructure projects that can be funded through the ARPA - Revenue Replacement fund. Later in the afternoon, council members received input from the public relating to the expenditure of ARPA funds. Council then provided their remarks and held discussion on the approval of ARPA funds.

City Council approved $19,274,041 in city infrastructure projects. These projects include improvements to the Hamilton Street Retention Basin, improvements at Ojibway Island and other existing parks, HVAC replacement at City Hall, improvements to the drainage and chapel at Forrest Lawn and Oakwood cemeteries, and IT and cybersecurity upgrades for the City’s computer network. These city projects will be paid from the ARPA - Revenue Replacement fund. The amount for the Revenue Replacement fund was originally approved by City Council at the April 18, 2022 City Council meeting. City Manager Tim Morales commented on the approved projects, “The City experienced several financial constraints due to the Covid pandemic. Because of this, we have not had the ability to fund essential projects that affect the community at large. Based on a citywide assessment, we felt these were the most critical of current needs that must be presented to City Council for approval. I believe completing these projects will improve the quality of life for our residents and enhance the health and well-being of our city employees.”

City Council also approved $8,000,000 for eligible programming and eligible capital expenses for eight local non-profit organizations to provide youth development programs and activities in our community. City Council also approved $2,225,000 for eligible programming expenses to five non-profit organizations to provide job training and workforce development in our community.

Mayor Brenda F. Moore commented on the allocations approved by City Council, “We understand the need to reach our youth as well as build and train our workforce. Many of our current community centers and non-profits lack the resources to provide adequate programs and the one-on-one attention that is required. With these funds, we believe these organizations can adjust their current operations and implement more impactful programs for residents. We understand there are many other deserving programs, but in the end, we had to look at those organizations that we believe will make the greatest impact in our community. We will now begin the critical task of working with these organizations to ensure all expenditures are within ARPA eligibility guidelines.”The allocation of funds for Youth and Development and Workforce Development is the fifth and final Expenditure Focus Area for ARPA spending. City Council developed the five Expenditure Focus Areas at the September 17, 2021 Strategic Planning Session. Mayor Brenda F. Moore commented on this final allocation, “ARPA funding provided a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build on key priorities as expressed by our residents, and invest in Saginaw’s people, neighborhoods, and businesses. We as a council understood the importance of this funding and took great care to ensure this money was spent appropriately. In the end, we have invested in the programs, services, and infrastructure that will make a difference in the quality of life for every single Saginaw resident now and in the future.”The January 13 Strategic Planning session is available to view on the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/CityofSaginawMI. 

For additional information on ARPA funding and allocation information, please visit the ARPA page on the City’s website at www.saginaw-mi.com/ARPA www.saginaw-mi.com/ARPA or follow the City of Saginaw on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofsaginawgovernment/