FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jennifer Flachman
Public Information Officer
(209) 385-6232
flachmanj@cityofmerced.org
City of Merced City Council Approves Spending Plan for $27.4 Million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
- Council invests in projects promoting equity, deepening the City's commitment to social responsibility.
MERCED, CA – On Monday, December 6, 2021, Merced City Council approved an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) strategic investment plan. The Plan, which aligns with the Council's Goals and Priorities, will financially support critical needs of residents and businesses. In addition, the Plan will initiate investments supporting recovery and advance economic growth and opportunity.
"I thank the City Council for their thoughtful actions throughout the process," stated Matthew Serratto, Mayor of the City of Merced. I am proud of our shared priorities in approving funding elements critical to our community's recovery." This Plan prioritizes investments in affordable housing, water conservation, broadband infrastructure, and youth programs to name a few. Combined with additional partner agency resources, these projects will allow us to support residents and businesses and create an opportunity to advance an economy that favors our recovery," said Serratto.
"Our priorities are to fund projects that facilitate short and long-term economic equity," said City Manager Stephanie Dietz. "At Council's direction, our plan will engage local agencies working together under a unified purpose to provide services that meet critical needs and center the margins within the community we serve," concluded Dietz.
Highlights of the spending proposal approved by the Council include funding for the following projects:
Affordable Housing - $6.5 million
The City will focus on increased investments in housing projects and will work to expand access to affordable housing. The plan will include collaboration with developers to build projects that create pathways to housing and homeownership citywide.
Water Conservation - $ 2.5 million
The City plans to address infrastructure deficiencies and protect service connection access to underserved City of Merced community members. This project will include water efficiency rebates to prevent waste and overuse.
Broadband Regional Capital Improvement - $2.6 million
This project will evaluate infrastructure needs to build capacity of neighborhoods through broadband service for unserved or underserved populations. Council directed staff to partner on a study to determine regional opportunities in internet connectivity which allow equitable access.
Applegate Park Zoo - $2 million
Applegate Park Zoo was established in 1962 and is the oldest park in Merced. The zoo is home to native, wild animals in need of a safe place to live. Investments in maintaining this facility include refurbished enclosures and updated walkways, which will enhance the safety of the zoo's inhabitants while creating an educational and engaging resource for visitors.
Downtown Public Space and Street Scape/Flow - $1.75 million
Merced is growing, and investment in our downtown community is vital to developing and sustaining a healthy, active, and livable area for current residents and future generations. The City plans to enhance the town center from R Street to G Street by developing a flexible gathering space and venue that includes a free speech stage, a reimagined play area, and expanding diagonal parking essential to economic growth and social health of the City.
Community Park-42 – Sports Fields - $5 million
Merced is a regional provider of park and recreation services. Community Park-42 addresses our community's need for expanded and additional recreation sites. The City plans to use funding to create a multi-use sports complex strategically located on Mission Avenue.
Utility Bill Relief - $1 million
Council directed staff to develop a utility bill relief grant program to financially assist struggling households with past-due utility bills.
Tourism
The City's tourism projects will be supported by Senate Bill 1 Transportation Package and locally approved sales tax Measure V, which provides funding to improve local streets. Additionally, the City has applied for grant funding. It plans to partner with Cal Trans to fund public art projects on City-owned facilities and City right-of-way areas that celebrate Merced's diversity and history and reveal neighborhoods' unique character throughout our City.
Job Training - $1 million
The City plans to partner with Worknet Merced County to provide workforce development training programs that will improve the chances of economic success for young adults those systematically disadvantaged citywide.
Stimulus Payment Program - $1 million
Council directed staff to study and develop a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for organizations experienced in managing stimulus payment programs for individuals, and families needing financial assistance.
Guaranteed Income Pilot Program
Council directed staff to submit a letter of interest to the State of California's Guaranteed Income Pilot Program that serves California residents who age out of the extended foster care program at or after 21 years of age or are pregnant individuals.
Expanded Youth Services -$250,000 – Matched with Measure Y funding for a total of $500,000
Measure Y provides funding for the City's public safety, parks, and recreation services
City Staff plans to collaborate with partner agency programs based on equity, healing, public health, and trauma-informed practices to build safer neighborhoods today, which will pay more profound dividends. In combination with previous Measure Y investments, this area of funding will support the pilot program Advanced Peace Initiative.
Nonprofit Support - $1.5 million
Council directed staff to research and develop a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for interested nonprofit organizations that have successfully administered grant programs structured to support organizations, programs, and activities that benefit City of Merced residents.
Ongoing COVID-19 Impacts - $614,000
Council designated $614,000 to support funding for the ongoing need of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including the cost of masks and gloves, and other equipment, testing supplies, and overtime pay for essential City staff.
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