City of Fayetteville - File #: 23-3449

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TO: Mayor and Members of City Council

THRU: Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager

FROM: Brook M. Redding, MPA, PMP, Special Projects Manager

DATE: October 2, 2023

RE:

Title

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Portfolio Impact Update

end

COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):

Council District(s)

ALL

b

Relationship To Strategic Plan:

This portfolio aligns with all City Council goals from the strategic plan

Executive Summary:

In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Fayetteville has taken significant strides in deploying the $40.4 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to alleviate its impact on our community. Grounded in the strategic vision of the Mayor and City Council, close inter-departmental collaboration and active community participation, these funds have been diligently channeled into initiatives that prioritize public health and safety, provide vital resources and fortify our city's infrastructure.

Our ARPA portfolio encompasses an array of projects and programs that not only address immediate community needs but also lay the groundwork for a resilient future. With unwavering dedication to evidence-based practices, we ensure that ARPA funds are utilized effectively and efficiently for maximum community benefit.

This comprehensive report offers an overview of the projects and programs funded thus far, shedding light on future endeavors. The City of Fayetteville remains unwavering in its commitment to leveraging ARPA funds to meet the community's needs, foster equitable outcomes and construct a resilient, thriving future.

Background:

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing a once-in-a-generation investment opportunity for the City of Fayetteville to address the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our community. The City was awarded the funds through the U.S. Treasury's State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARP-SLFRF), which must be spent by September 30, 2026. In November and December 2021, the Mayor and City Council developed a strategy for allocating the funds, with input from the community, recommendations from studies, and inter-departmental collaborations. This strategy was used to identify critical priorities for using the funds, resulting in an extensive portfolio of projects and programs.

The City's portfolio includes initiatives to support business and economic vitality, housing and community livability, and infrastructure and community investments. With a focus on equity, the portfolio aims to address the disparate impact of the pandemic on marginalized communities. Evidence-based practices are used to inform the City's decisions to ensure the efficient and effective use of ARPA funds.

Issues/Analysis:

The following is a project inventory and summary, providing an overview of the various projects and programs in the City of Fayetteville's ARPA portfolio. This section aims to provide a mid-level picture of the City's progress in obligating and executing the ARPA portfolio, as well as to facilitate transparency and accountability in using these critical funds.

Council Strategy - Business & Economic Vitality

The Business and Economic Vitality section of the ARPA portfolio includes several projects aimed at boosting economic development in the City of Fayetteville.

Investment in Business Development
Program/Project	Funding	Status
Commercial Corridor Improvement Grant Program	$930,000	Complete
Impacts: • Application and Approval Rates: o Commercial Corridor applicants: 53 o Commercial Corridor approvals: 19 • Average Grant Amount: o Commercial Corridor: Average award of $37,559.32 • Types of Businesses: o Notable types of businesses that applied and were approved: § Retail businesses § Auto sales/repair § Real estate • Census Tract Data: o Applicants in QCT: 43 o Applicants outside of QCT: 37 o Total funds invested in QCTs that include the Murchison Road corridor: $837,594.65 • Demographic Information: o Approval rates for underrepresented groups in Commercial Corridor: o Women-Owned Businesses (WBE): 33% approval rate o Minority-Owned Businesses (MBE): 59% approval rate
COVID Small Business Assistance Grant Program	$2,061,349	Complete
Impacts • Application and Approval Rates: o Small Business Retention & Development applicants: 117 o Small Business Retention & Development approvals: 46 • Average Grant Amount: o Retention & Development: Average award of $34,350.70 • Types of Businesses: o Notable types of businesses that applied and were approved: § Nail, Hair Beauty, and Barbershops § Retail businesses § Auto sales/repair § Real estate • Census Tract Data: o Applicants in QCT: 95 o Applicants outside of QCT: 106 o Total funds invested in QCTs that include the Murchison Road corridor: $606,245 • Demographic Information: o Approval rates for underrepresented groups in Retention & Development: § Women-Owned Businesses (WBE): 38% approval rate § Minority-Owned Businesses (MBE): 35% approval rate
Can Do Performance Grant Program	$2,500,000	Programming - Estimated Operational by Q3 FY24
Description: Offers capital to small minority-owned firms, aiming to grow ten companies by ten employees in five years, and provides business counseling through local partners to support local procurement and community objectives.
Investment in Workforce
Childcare Employee Retention Grant Program	$1,000,000	Active
Description: Offer bonuses and support for early childhood educators in licensed childcare facilities within Qualified Census Tracks, with the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County overseeing the program to retain, recruit, and assist educators serving Low- and Moderate-income households.
Workforce Development Program	$1,000,000	Active
Impacts: • FMHA Empowerment LLC - $300,000 over three years o Job Skills training for those living in FMHA housing • FTCC - $120,000 over three years o Trade Craft Skills training for Low to Moderate-income residents • FTCC - $90,000 over three years o General Contractor Training for residents located in Qualified Census Tracts • Service Source - $75,000 over three years o Assisting Veterans with gaining employment • Cumberland Residential and Employment Service and Training (CREST) Inc. - $75,000 over three years o Assisting disabled residents with workforce training and job placement • Mid-Carolina Regional Council - $90,000 over two years o “My Future is So Bright” program o Youth and young adults ages 14 - 24 o Intern program - getting career ready • T-House Technology Training and Consultants - $100,000 for three years o Youth program - High school Students o Teaching visual basic programming to youth in the five high schools located in QCTs
STARward STEM	$115000	Contracting
Description: This program is designed to ignite student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through transdisciplinary project-based learning in the classroom and STEM enrichment activities with industry experts beyond the classroom.
Government Support Operations
City Website Update & Redesign	$150,080	Active - Expected Completion Q1 FY25
Fire/Police Department Computer Replacement Program	$2,158,799	Active - Expected Completion Q1 FY25
Citi bot - Customer Service Technology	$47,000	Active - Expected Completion Q4 FY24
City Domain Migration	$355,000	Active - Expected Completion Q1 FY25

Council Strategy - Housing and Community Livability

The Housing and Community Livability section of the ARPA portfolio focuses on creating a more resilient and thriving community.

Resilient Residents
Program/Project	Funding	Status
Housing Trust Fund	$4,000,000	Active
Description: The Council provided consensus at the August 7, 2023 work session. Impacts: • 2 million to Step up for hotel conversation for permanent supportive housing for homeless • 1.25 mil for Fayetteville Gardens - To rehab 100 units of low-income housing/apartments
Homeless Day Resource Center	$1,000,000		Closeout
Description: Provides support services, such as job training, housing assistance, and healthcare access, to individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations in the community.
Thriving Communities
Mazarick Park Tennis Center	$5,500,000		Active - Expected Completion Q2 FY25
Description: To construct a new facility with tennis courts and a building at Mazarick Park, with an approved budget of $11.5 million.
Playground Repairs/Refurbishing	$795,497		Active - Expected Completion Q4 FY24
Description: to enhance the safety and accessibility of the existing playground equipment while providing new equipment and features to ensure a fun and engaging experience for children of all ages and abilities.
Expanded Community Capacity
Community Center	$1,000,000		Contracting
Description: to improve the economic prosperity of citizens through job creation and business expansion, and will serve as a hub for educational, mental health services, entrepreneurial outreach, and youth programs

Council Strategy - Infrastructure & Community Investment

The Infrastructure & Community Investment section of the ARPA portfolio includes projects and programs aimed at promoting public health and safety, improving infrastructure, and enhancing multimodal accessibility. This section features initiatives such as the Violence Interrupter Program, Bridge Preservation Program, and ADA Compliance Program. Additionally, it includes projects for public safety, including the City-Wide Security Access Control System and Gunshot Detection Technology.

Public Health Resiliency
Program/Project	Funding	Status
Homeless and Urban Camping Impact Reduction Program	$265,000	Active - Ongoing through FY26
Impacts: • 36 unsheltered residents engaged and cleared in two encampments o 17 residents assisted in housing • 26 tons of waste removed
Picnic Shelter Replacements	$250,000	Active - Expected Completion Q4 FY24
Description: To replace and improve the old, deteriorating picnic shelters in city parks with new and modern structures, providing better recreational spaces and promoting community gatherings.
Public Building Maintenance Program	$1,913,000	Active - Expected Completion Q1 FY25
Description: The public building maintenance program is designed to ensure the maintenance and repair of various public buildings across the city.
Safer Communities
Violence Interrupter Program - PROOVE Project	$399,709	Active
Description: The Violence Interrupter Program is a community-based initiative to reduce violence and crime by intervening and mediating conflicts before they escalate.
Phoenix Center Contract	$150,000	Contracting
Description: This project funds the Phoenix Center, allowing them to provide temporary stay vouchers and case management to victims of domestic abuse and other abusive environments.
Gunshot Detection Technology - ShotSpotter	$197,500	Active
Description: Implement a gunshot detection and location system designed to provide real-time information to law enforcement to reduce gun violence in targeted areas.
Public Safety Initiatives	$3,835,064	Active - Expected Completion Q2 FY25
Description: The Public Safety Initiatives project is a group of smaller initiatives, including the Police Department Drone Program and Public Safety Camera Replacement to enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of the Fayetteville Police Department.
City-wide Security Access Control System	$796,693	Active - Expected Completion Q2 FY25
Description: To implement a new access control system to enhance security and streamline access to city-owned buildings and facilities.
Dam Safety / Preservation Project	$320,000	Active
Description: To finish the remaining projects of the Mirror Lake Dam
Bridge Preservation Program	$352,799	Active - Expected Completion Q3 FY24
Description: to maintain and improve the condition of the city's bridges, using ARPA funding for the necessary infrastructure investments to keep bridges safe and functional for the community.
Multimodal Accessibility
ADA Compliance	$525,000	Active
Impacts: • The project has removed, improved, and reduced over 70% of ADA barriers identified in the 2021 ADA Transition Plan.
Blanton Road Extension Design	$500,000	Active - Expected Completion Q2 FY25
Description: To design a new road segment to improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion.
Parking Lot Resurfacing	$390,000	Active - Expected Completion Q4 FY24
Description: To repair and improve various parking lots throughout the city, addressing issues such as cracks, potholes, and drainage to ensure the safety and accessibility of the lots.
Ramsey Street Pump Station Replacement - Stormwater	$250,000	Active - Expected Completion Q1 FY25
Description: To replace the existing wastewater pump station, which has reached the end of its useful life, with a new, more efficient one.
Multi-use Lanes	$90,000	Active - Expected Completion Q4 FY24
Description: To construct bike lanes and sidewalks to enhance connectivity, mobility, and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Invest in Targeted Growth Areas
Downtown Streetscape	$432,813	Active - Expected Completion Q3 FY24
Description: To enhance the pedestrian environment and improve accessibility, safety, and aesthetics of the streets and public spaces in the downtown area.

Portfolio Administrative

The City Administrative section of the ARPA portfolio is focused on supporting the efficient and effective implementation of the various projects and programs in the portfolio. The employee premium pay for the city was a crucial part of the program to provide additional support and financial relief to the city's essential workers who have borne the brunt of the pandemic. Additionally, this portfolio section includes funding for project management staff and other administrative expenses. By ensuring that the portfolio is well-managed and resources are allocated effectively, the City can maximize the impact of the ARPA funding and ensure that the community benefits from these essential investments.

Program/Project	Funding		Status
Employee Premium Pay	$3,658,205		Complete
Description: Provided premium pay to eligible employees who have worked in person during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to compensate them for the additional risk and hardship that they faced.
Project Administrative	$3,351,531	Active
Description: Supports the coordination and management of various projects, including oversight, reporting, and compliance with regulatory requirements, and utilizes a portion of the funding to cover administrative costs. • Grant Writing Support • Choice Neighborhood Consultant • Sustainability Plan Development and Consultant • Project contingency

Budget Impact:

N/A

Options:

None at this time

Recommended Action:

None at this time

Attachments:

None