Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226
Friday, July 22, 2022 at 9:18 a.m.
The City Council American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) workgroup, which includes Council President Beggs, Council Member Wilkerson and Council Member Zappone, will present the full City Council with a Special Budget Ordinance (SBO) to approve the next $27,750,000 of ARPA funding allocations during the City Council’s July 28th Study Session. The SBO is scheduled for a vote during the August 1st Legislative Session. This round of funding is geared toward community support, with allocations for small businesses, non-profits, community centers, neighborhood business districts, multicultural centers, and higher education.
“This third tranche of ARPA funding is the biggest yet and focuses on providing direct financial assistance to small businesses, non-profits, and students to propel them out of recovery and towards thriving in Spokane,” said Council President Beggs. “Previously, the Council has allocated millions of dollars for fire, police, and parks – now it is time to uplift the community.”
The Council ARPA workgroup based these appropriations on community ideas and feedback from Council Members during June 9th and July 14th Study Sessions. The SBO and descriptions for all the proposed allocations are attached.
“Small businesses and non-profits have been disproportionally impacted by the pandemic, and it is beyond time to focus on their financial rescue, “said Council Member Wilkerson. “By dedicating $5 million to small businesses and another $5 million to non-profits, our goal is to help alleviate the financial pressures on these organizations in this post-pandemic recovery.”
“Council has been listening to the community,” said Council Member Zappone. “This package of ARPA funding is focused on economic opportunities and infrastructure, assisting small businesses and non-profits, improving community centers, and building our local workforce.”
The upcoming Study Session on July 28th begins at 11:00 a.m. Members of the public are encouraged to tune in to that meeting, as well as the August 1, 6:00 p.m. Legislative Session in person in City Council Chambers or online at https://my.spokanecity.org/citycable5/live/ and https://www.facebook.com/spokanecitycouncil.
