The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 was a $1.9 trillion emergency relief and recovery bill enacted in response to COVID-19 pandemic losses. Within ARPA, the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) provided $350 billion for states, municipalities, counties, tribes, and territories, including $130.2 billion for local governments split evenly between municipalities and counties. Prior to enactment of the SLFRF program, a 2020 NLC survey of municipalities showed 74% of cities and towns had already made unavoidable budget cuts related to pandemic revenue declines, including furloughs and lay-offs. Without SLFRF, the estimated revenue loss for municipalities collectively was $360 billion over three years.
This funding was a historic, first-of-its-kind direct investment in cities, towns and villages of all sizes. The SLFRF program was designed to help communities manage and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the first time receiving direct federal funding for many local governments.
ARPA Investment Tracker
See how cities, towns and villages are using ARPA funding to thrive beyond the pandemic.
FAQs
Your questions answered about the American Rescue Plan Act guidance and implementation.
The latest on ARPA from the citiesspeak blog
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Title by Title Bill Summary
of the American Rescue Plan Act
State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
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