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Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard

Shared Economic
Prosperity

Create a Safer Community Together

Connected, Engaged, and Inclusive Communities

Innovative and High Performing Organization

Thriving and Vibrant Environment

Status Indicator: In Progress | On Hold | Complete/Ongoing

Initiative: 4.31 Invest, monitor, and evaluate recovery and renewal resources

Innovative & High Performing Organization

Description

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021, providing U.S. cities and counties with $130.2 billion through December 31, 2024. The City of Durham has received an allocation of these funds totaling $51,881,733. The ARPA team consist of the following staff: in Budget and Management Services (2) – one (1) Grants Manger and one (1) Grants Management Specialist; in Finance Department – one (1) Senior Grants Accountant and active recruitment for an additional one (1) Grants Management Accountant. In collaboration with the City Attorney’s Office, staff supports the allocation and evaluation of fund distribution to positively affect the community while responding to negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Measures & Data Analysis

Utilizing Submittable Portal for all grantees, the ARPA Team has been successfully monitoring contractual agreements, performance award updates, and reporting for invoices remitted from subrecipients.

Continued grant management education, joint City/County meetings, and information gathering have led to a clean internal audit and $7.7M remitted of $19M.

The ARPA Team looks forward to continuing to monitor performance and track project progress.

ARPA Funds Distributed

Why is it important?

ARPA funded programs serve to help advance economic recovery to communities and households that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The inter-departmental collaboration of the ARPA Team allows for monitoring and compliance in accordance with federal guidelines. Interdepartmental collaboration, also, provides a robust foundation for the Team to support the capacity of nonprofit organizations to manage grant funds.

What have we been doing?

The ARPA Team has worked to help establish consistent and thorough communication for awardees. Technical assistance, office hours, 1:1 standing meetings, and opportunities to expand partnership with other non-profits are examples of the support we have provided.

What's next?

The ARPA Team will be continuing to monitor fund draws and awardee performance throughout the calendar year adhering to quarterly reporting to Treasury. Development of procedures engagement and grant management education will help awardees and the City to strengthen impact for residents.

Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division