How Do I...Allocate and Spend COVID-19 Relief Funds?

During a recent workshop event, our experts shared insights on strengthening partnerships with nongovernmental stakeholders for effective and efficient disbursement of federal funds.

Access the workshop recording.

Access the presentation slides: Maximizing the Local Impact of Federal Investments

Access the presentation slides: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Detroit, MI

Timing of Funds, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA, HUD, Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act

What steps should cities take to help minimize the damage of a potential takeback (i.e. a scenario in which a second tranche of ARP funds would be re-allocated to other policy priorities)?

Federal Funding Streams, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA

How does ARP funding correlate with duplication of benefits requirements in FEMA PA funding? For example, can we use FEMA PA funding for vaccinations if it is also an eligible use for other ARP funding streams?

Fund Planning & Allocation, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA, HUD, Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act

How can cities maximize the chances that programs created as a result of recovery funding continue to be sustainable after the end of their funding?

Federal Funding Streams, Program Administration, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA

Can CLFRF funds be used to pay for staffing costs for work administering non-CLFRF federal funds, e.g., other ARP grants, FEMA funds?

Fund Planning & Allocation, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA, HUD, Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act

How can cities balance the need to move with urgency while also ensuring that awarded funds are allocated in a manner that ensure the greatest level of flexibility with respect to spending?

Federal Funding Streams, American Rescue Plan Act, FEMA

Can cities re-use ARP funds if a program expense is reimbursed by FEMA?

Timing of Funds, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA

How will the “use of funds” category authorizing spending of ARP funds “to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID–19 or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits…” be defined?

Federal Funding Streams, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act

What are the eligibility differences between CRF and ARP funding?

Community Engagement & Local Partnerships, Fund Planning & Allocation, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA, HUD, Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act

How can cities balance spending federal funds on transformative internal projects against the desire to give funds directly to the community?

Community Engagement & Local Partnerships, Federal Funding Streams, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA, HUD, Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act

What are some best practices to ensure the efficient and expeditious distributions of federal stimulus funds, while involving necessary stakeholders in the disbursement process?

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