American Rescue Plan: Investing in a Stronger, more Equitable Lancaster
The City of Lancaster has received $39.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in response to the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency.
Based on initial guidance from US Treasury, these funds can be used in a few main ways: responding to Covid-19 and its negative economic impacts; replacing lost municipal revenue; water and sewer infrastructure , and broadband investments. Funds need to be committed by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026. Funding decisions will not be made all at once.
Beyond direct funding to local governments, there are other federal investments being made to support a wide array of initiatives including rent and utility assistance, education, healthcare, transportation and more. These funds are flowing through state and county governments which provide the bulk of social services in the county.
Additionally, the City of Lancaster is committed to leveraging these other sources of federal and state dollars.
This once-in-a-generation investment must be made with great care and thought about what is most needed in this specific community, with transparency and through engagement with our community about how to invest these public dollars.
As we consider how best to support the City of Lancaster and its residents, the Sorace administration along with City Council will prioritize investments based on research, public input and ranking criteria to be determined in coordination with City Council. These conversations and deliberations will start at City Council meetings in September and October. The City will collect public input continuously as there will be multiple proposals brought before Council on how to spend American Rescue Plan funds. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback here online and attend Council meetings to share input in person.
We want your input and ideas!
The survey below asks you to rank your priorities based on potential options that American Rescue Plan funds can be spent on.
Phases
Community Feedback
Using the “thumbs up” voting function, please select 5 options that are most important to you. You can also leave comments on any of the options.
The options below are listed in a randomized order. If you have ideas that are not listed here, please comment on the “What is Missing?” option.
Please note that while all options below are eligible for ARPA, some do not fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Lancaster. For example, the County of Lancaster government manages behavioral health and drug prevention programs, the School District addresses educational disparities, and a wide variety of nonprofits deliver services on the list. Despite this, the City feels it is important to include the full list of possible funding areas so we can accurately advocate on behalf of city residents and direct funding accordingly as much as we are able. It is also important to note that these funds come with strict reporting requirements which may limit or alter how funding is allocated.
Please be aware this timeline is subject to change.
23 options
Filters
Total posts: 23No values available.
Upcoming and ongoing events
Past events
Event date: October 26th, 2021 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
City Hall
Event date: October 12th, 2021 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
City Hall
Event date: October 9th, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Bright Side Opportunities Center
Event date: October 2nd, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Lancaster City Visitor Center
Event date: October 1st, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Penn Square (Corner of King & Queen Streets)
Event date: September 30th, 2021 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Crystal Park
Event date: September 30th, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
545 Pershing Ave
Event date: September 28th, 2021 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
City Hall
Event date: September 24th, 2021 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
McCaskey High School