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.