Portland City Seeks Public Feedback On Using ARPA Funds

Press release from the City of Portland:

July 27, 2021

As part of the public process, the City Council will review suggestions for the use of these funds from City staff as well as the public. Residents and interested parties who would like to share feedback on how the funds are used should visit portland.civilspace.io to review the project details and complete a short survey.

“I look forward to working with the community, City staff, and my colleagues on the Council to determine the best use of funds in this first tranche,” said Mayor Kate Snyder. “ARPA funds offer a wonderful opportunity to invest in community needs created by the pandemic, and to consider generational investments in public infrastructure.”“I’m thankful the City was able to receive these funds as it will greatly allow us to recover and grow from the impacts created by the pandemic,” said City Councilor Nick Mavodones, Chair of the Finance Committee. “As the Mayor said, I look forward to working with all interested parties to gather ideas within the eligible uses for how these funds are invested in our community as we have the opportunity to make significant investments in our future.”

As a reminder, the funds have statutory eligible uses. They include the following categories:

Funds can generally not be used for:

• Depositing extraordinary funds into a pension account
• Certain non-federal matches
• Debt Service
• Legal Settlements
• Rainy Day Funds
• Infrastructure outside of water/sewer/broadband, or revenue loss to infrastructure projects
• General economic development or workforce development unless related to the pandemic

This press release was produced by the City of Portland. The views expressed here are the author’s own.