American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

American Rescue Plan Act funding directly addresses the negative impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency.


On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319), also known as ARPA, was signed into law.  The $1.9 trillion package allocates hundreds of billions of dollars for public health and vaccines, assistance for vulnerable populations, education and housing stabilization, economic recovery assistance and direct assistance for families and individuals.

Under ARPA, Royal Oak will receive a direct allocation of $28,107,502. We intend to invest it to the full extent possible toward improving the quality of life for Royal Oak residents and business owners. This summer and into fall we are seeking feedback from the public on programs, initiatives, and new ideas that they would like to see funded with ARPA money.  

Royal Oak's ARPA Project Decision-Making Process Flow


  1. Royal Oak receives ARPA funds 
  2. Guidehouse compiles funding priorities from Commissioners & City staff 
  3. Guidehouse conducts eligibility assessments on proposed projects 
  4. A survey will be distributed to a random sampling of residents this summer via direct mail, and will be made available for public response online later this summer into the fall to gather community feedback on proposed projects. All residents are welcome to complete the public survey. 
  5. Two listening sessions will be held in-person this fall with select residents and business owners for feedback. The City of Royal Oak will be inviting a diverse cross section of the City’s local population in order to have deeper community conversations. Specific dates for the listening sessions are still being determined. 
  6. Royal Oak City Commissioners will hold a working session to analyze the results of the public feedback from the survey and listening sessions and compile ARPA spending recommendations. In that working session, the survey administrator (Cobalt Community Research), who is not from the City of Royal Oak, will present objective results. 
  7. The City of Royal Oak will share the Commission’s recommended ARPA spending and why. 
  8. Public will provide final comments at the City Commission meeting, date to be announced, where the final ARPA spending vote will take place. 
  9. The Commission will then vote on final ARPA-funded projects. 
  10. The results of the City Commission vote will be shared with the Royal Oak community, estimated to occur later this fall.

Eligible Uses

Health Care

 Public Health Response


Meet and address emergent public health needs

Eligible Programs and Impact


  • Public Restrooms: Centennial Commons Park and Farmer’s Market - Mitigate the spread of disease in public spaces by providing hand-washing stations to the community
  • Social Worker(s) - Support residents and employees amidst a global rise in mental health issues
  • HEPA Filters for Public Buildings -Mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in public buildings, thus protecting government employees and residents


Revenue Loss

Negative Economic Impacts


Address economic harm resulting from or exacerbated by the public health emergency

Eligible 

Programs and Impact


  • Affordable Housing Development - Help address housing access inequities 
  • Non-Profit Community Programming - Provide funding to support community programming at local non-profit organizations, which benefits residents of all ages and income levels. 


Essential Workers

Premium Pay for Essential Workers


Provide premium pay to eligible workers performing essential services during the COVID-19 public health emergency, either in public sector roles or through grants to third-party employers 

Eligible 

Programs and Impact


  • Premium Pay for Essential Workers - Provide financial assistance to essential workers who were exposed to heightened risk of contracting COVID-19. 

Government

Government Services


Provide government services to the extent of reduction in revenue experienced due to COVID-19 

Eligible 

Programs and Impact


  • Animal Shelter - Provide a new and improved animal shelter to help keep up with increased demand. 
  • Farmers Market - Install a permanent generator so the Farmer’s Market can operate as an emergency center during power outages. 
  • Tree Planting -Provides public benefits such as improved water retention and air quality.



Water

Investments in Infrastructure


Meet the critical need for investments an improvements to existing infrastructure in water, sewer, and broadband

Eligible 

Programs and Impact


  • Lead Pipe Replacement - Expedite current lead pipe replacement program 
  • Flooding Prevention - Address historic issues with flooding by improving stormwater retention 
  • Water Main Improvements -  Upgrade outdated water mains, preventing future water main breaks. 
  • Library Broadband Programs - Provide higher quality Internet access to residents of all ages and income levels