American Rescue Plan Act

The federal American Rescue Plan Act – or ARPA – was signed into law on March 11, 2021 The $1.9 trillion package included $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local, territorial and Tribal governments.

The local share of the federal program, designated as Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, are intended to support urgent COVID-19 response efforts to decrease spread of the virus and bring the pandemic under control. replace lost public sector revenue to strengthen support for vital public services and help retain jobs, support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses, and address systemic public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the inequitable impact of the pandemic on certain populations.

The U.S. Treasury Department oversees the Recovery Funds and provides guidelines on their proper use. More information on the federal legislation is available from the following Treasury Department sources:

• Interim Final Rule
• Fact Sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Rule(PDF, 2MB)
• Final Rule Overview(PDF, 899KB)
• Final Rule FAQs(PDF, 627KB)

In general, funds may be used in these broad categories:

Support Public Health Response
Support public health expenditures by funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare and certain public health and safety staff

Replace Public Sector Revenue Loss
Replace lost public sector revenue to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic

Invest in Water, Sewer & Broadband Infrastructure
Invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and expand access to broadband internet

Address Negative Economic Impacts
Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, industries such as tourism, and the public sector

Provide Premium Pay for Essential Workers
Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors

Within these general categories, the Village will have broad flexibility to decide how best to use the Recovery Funds to meet the needs of our community. More specific guidelines currently are being drafted by the Treasury Department. In the meantime, the following federal sources are available:

• Interim Final Rule
• Quick Reference Guide
• Final Rule(PDF, 2MB)
• Final Rule Overview(PDF, 899KB)

Community input is essential to assessing Village needs and exploring how funding can best be aligned with local priorities. To ensure the equitable, transparent and accountable distribution of these funds, residents are invited to…

• Take a survey thru Oct. 30, 2021
• Attend virtual listening sessions:
  • 9 - 10 a.m., Tues., Oct 5, 2021 (10-05-2021 Session Video)
  • 7 - 9 p.m., Wed., Oct. 6, 2021 (10-06-2021 Session Video)
  • 8:30 - 9:30 a.m., Wed., Oct. 27, 2021 - local business community (10-07-2021 Session Video)
• email ARPAcomments@oak-park.us

The Village Board then will evaluate all available information, including community input, and determine priorities for allocating ARPA funds within the Board Goals adopted on June 14, 2021(PDF, 463KB). A first review of the public input is planned for November 2021. Board meeting information and an agenda will be posted on the Village website calendar when the meeting is scheduled.

This page will be updated as specific decisions about funding allocations are made.

Following public meetings in May 2021 and July 2021, the Village Board authorized using a portion of the ARPA funds for the following purposes:

• Address food insecurities
• Provide rental assistance
• Aid local businesses
• Restore core municipal services
• Offset pandemic-related expenses
• Compensate essential workers

Support Public Health Response

• $86,000 - Public Health personnel
• $25,000 - Public Health IPLAN - health needs assessment

Replace Public Sector Revenue Loss

• $9,739,046 - 2020 Restore Municipal Services
• $5,698,861 - 2021 Restore Municipal Services
• Revenues for 2022 and 2023 to be determined

Invest in Water, Sewer and Broadband Infrastructure

• $0 to date

Address Negative Economic Impacts

• $710,000 - Business Grants
• $500,000 - Housing Support
• $85,000 - Food Insecurity

Provide Premium Pay for Essential Workers

• $0 to date

Community Requests

• 1st round - $3,461,300

For more information of the Village of Oak Park's role in the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, email village@oak-park.us.