Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
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 one Grants Analyst (1). 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.
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?
Staff have actively managed Durham's $51.8M ARPA portfolio — ensuring all funds are obligated on time and expended responsibly ahead of the December 31, 2026 deadline — while supporting subrecipient organizations through technical assistance, monitoring, and closeout planning.
Key activities include:
• Conducting monthly City/County Joint Meetings and quarterly Treasury Reporting to maintain oversight and compliance.
• Providing 1:1 Technical Assistance to subrecipient organizations to support grant management, data cleanup, and account reconciliation.
• Managing subrecipient performance: of 31 remaining organizations, 15 have completed their work, 11 are in process, and 5 are suspended.
• Advancing expenditure deadline planning and solidifying project closeout procedures.
Spotlight: Corridor Bounce Back Pilot (OEWD) — supporting small businesses along the Fayetteville Street Corridor with technical assistance for business, financial, brand, and property enhancement. Forward Justice — providing educational, advocacy, and community healing opportunities for underrepresented communities.
What's next?
Efforts to ensure full expenditure of ARPA funds by the December 31, 2026 deadline will continue through the following activities:
• Treasury Reporting – Completing the next quarterly Treasury Report and maintaining compliance documentation.
• Project Closeouts – Solidifying and executing closeout procedures for all completed and transitioning subrecipient organizations.
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division