Your Input on Spending $40+M to Help Champaign County: American Rescue Plan Act: Respond by May 16

 Below is text taken from an official memo  distributed at the May 11, 2021 meeting of the Champaign County board. For the full document, click here. 

As we think about these recommendations, it might help to review the County Goals. See this link for the Strategic Plan and Goals. Scroll down to see the goals. 

(Thanks to Ann Prisland for help in getting these links/ideas to us.)

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May 11, 2021 
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC INPUT ON AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS 
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has allocated $40+ million for Champaign County. 

These funds can be used to help our county recover from the effects of the pandemic over the next 4 years by offsetting government revenue declines, investing in critical infrastructure, and mitigating other community needs related to COVID-19. ​

The Finance Committee has scheduled a zoom study session on Tuesday, May 25, 6 pm, for the purpose of hearing thoughts from the public about the use of these funds. 

As usual for board meetings, members of the public wishing to speak will have up to 5 minutes during public participation on a first-come basis. [The agenda for this meeting and Zoom link will be available on the County Board website about a week before the meeting.]

The board members will then discuss county needs put forward by members or groups of the public in writing.  To be included in the study session packet, written comments of 250 words or less may be sent to Megan Robison at [email protected] by end of day Sunday, May 16th.  

Please keep in mind: This is NOT a request for specific project funding proposals—this is an initial step to gain public input as the Board begins to think through potential priorities. 

The detailed rules for use of the funds have not been made known yet by the federal government. This is one-time funding. 

To repeat: submit your written suggestions, ideas, and input of 250 words or less to Megan Robison at [email protected] by end of day Sunday, May 16 to be included in the study session and provided to all county board members in advance of their May 25 meeting.