Report Prepared by: Stephanie R. Dietz, City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Public Hearing Regarding the Development of a Strategic Investment Plan for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding
REPORT IN BRIEF
Public Hearing to allow for additional input on the development of a Strategic Investment Plan by the City Council and Staff. Second Public Hearing with conceptual project list to allow for input from the community and direction from the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide staff direction on Projects to include in the ARPA Strategic Investment Plan.
Body
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
DISCUSSION
During the October 18, 2021 Study Session, Staff and Council reviewed the survey results and public input regarding the ARPA funding allocation. During the Study Session Council received input from the public and provided staff areas of interest to allocate ARPA funding to.
During the November 1, 2021 Public Hearing, the Council received input from the community and provided a refined list of projects for staff to evaluate. Those projects include: Affordable Housing, Water - conservation & SB 244, Broadband, Applegate Zoo, Downtown - Public Spaces & Street Scape, CP-42/Sports Fields, Utility Bill Relief, Job Training, Tourism, Stimulus Payments, Expanded Youth Services, On-going Operational Needs, Kiddie Land/Non-Profit Support, and City Beautification.
In addition to the areas above, the City Council also considered a program for Universal Basic Income (UBI). After discussion, the Council voted 4-3 to not move forward with the program. For this reason, UBI was not evaluated for future direction.
This Public Hearing is the second of two hearings to receive input from the community on what projects to include as part of the ARPA Strategic Investment Plan. Staff are seeking direction on major projects, as well as establishment of parameters for certain programs as outlined in the attached Presentation.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCE...
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