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
Result Summary & Open Comment
Thank you for your input!
We heard from 599 people during the engagement, both online here on Engage Lancaster and at community outreach events. Below are the top ten priorities. Mayor Sorace gave an American Rescue Plan engagement report to City Council on Nov. 9, 2021, watch it here. The PowerPoint presentation is attached below.
Top 10 Priorities:
- Affordable Housing: 327
- Behavioral Health: 319
- Homelessness Supports: 295
- Address Educational disparities: 190
- Critical Home Repair: 167
- Small Business Assistance: 160
- Drug Overdose & Prevention Programs: 119
- Create Housing for Displaced Tenants: 115
- Internet Access & Digital Literacy: 114
- Rent & Mortgage Assistance: 107
This project will remain active for open comment.
American Rescue Plan proposals will be made to City Council on a rolling basis, not all at once. While the main engagement period has ended, the public is welcome to comment here or attend City Council meetings to share further comments.
Please be aware this timeline is subject to change.
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Total posts: 6Upcoming 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