American Rescue Plan
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a $1.9 trillion federal law that was passed in March 2021 to help the U.S. respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking into account guidance from the federal government, the City these funds can be used in a few main ways: responding to Covid-19 and its social and economic impacts; replacing lost municipal revenue; water and sewer infrastructure , and broadband investments. Beyond direct funding to local governments, there are other federal investments being made to support a wide array of initiatives including rent and utility assistance, education, healthcare, transportation and more. These funds are flowing through state and county governments which provide the bulk of social services in our city.
The City of Bethlehem would like to hear from our community as we prioritize our recovery needs and our time in City Hall. Our goals include both direct financial support of our community as well as coordinating with our partners in local, state, and federal government. We appreciate your input on this once-in-a-generation investment.
When you first register, you will be asked a series of demographic questions. The responses you provide will be anonymous and will help us ensure that we are hearing from all of the diverse voices in our community.
As we consider how best to support our community and its residents, we will prioritize investments based on research, public input, and ranking criteria to be determined in coordination with City Council.
Thank you in advance for participating in this important process as we look to provide short term assistance with long term investment in our community areas of need.
Funds need to be committed by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026. Funding decisions will not be made all at once.
Phases
We Build Bethlehem Implementation and Information Session
The City of Bethlehem is excited to announce the introduction of a new funding opportunity for nonprofits and community organizations in the city. The Community Recovery Fund is a regular grant opportunity for Bethlehem nonprofits and community organizations who seek funding for projects that will serve the community. Through the Community Recovery Fund, the City of Bethlehem seeks to not just recover from the pandemic, but also rebuild and respond to flawed systems within the City highlighted by the pandemic by supporting organizations already doing important work in the community.
In 2022, the City surveyed Bethlehem residents to learn more about what types of projects are most important to the community. The results of the survey showed a broad level of support for every category included on the survey, so funding will be broadly distributed across all categories, denoted as our priority areas. The priorities are:
· Arts and Culture
· Child Care Support
· Climate Justice
· Community Center
· Economic Development
· Education & Literacy Programs
· Food Assistance
· High-Speed Internet
· Job Training
· Mental Health & Counseling Services
· Parks and Recreation
· Public Communication Tools
· Public Health
· Senior Services
· Utility Assistance
The Community Recovery Fund grant application will open on March 1, 2023. For more information about this grant opportunity, please watch the virtual info session that took place on February 1, 2023 at 12pm or see the slides and guidelines below.