DATE:
January 9, 2024
12
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FRAMEWORK UPDATE (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
On June 8, 2021 (3), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) approved an American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) spending framework for the approximately $650 million in ARPA funds received from the federal government to be used towards the County of San Diego's (County) response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This ARPA Framework not only addressed the needs of the region to test, trace and treat COVID-19 cases to reduce morbidity and mortality, but also addressed the economic and social impacts of the pandemic.
The ARPA Framework established by the Board was the culmination of input from every supervisorial district and comprehensive community engagement, which included community workshops held in March 2021 as well as review and consideration of correspondence received from community organizations and advocates. The ARPA Framework includes programs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as services for behavioral health, homelessness, food assistance, seniors and youth, small businesses, and critical infrastructure.
The ARPA funds allocated to the County represent a significant and extraordinary infusion of resources to the region, and the County has taken a leading role in utilizing these funds, employing a strategic three-pronged approach. The first prong prioritizes saving lives and protecting families, ensuring funds were directed towards critical initiatives such as testing, treatment, and vaccination sites. The second prong focuses on countering the economic impacts of the pandemic and making longer term investments for the region. This effort includes efforts to stimulate the economy and help San Diegans get back to work, marked by strategic investments like the small business and non-profit stimulus payments, aimed at revitalizing economic activity. The third prong includes...
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