ARPA Funding Survey

The city conducted a survey of residents in summer 2023 to get feedback on how the city should use its remaining allotment of federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. A total of 1,549 residents responded to share their opinions on how millions of dollars in federal funds should be used to help our community.

Regardless of your participation during the survey period, if you have additional comments to share on the results of the survey or to provide opinions on uses for the funding, you can share your input through Sept. 14 on our online comment form.

City Council is expected to continue the discussion during the Sept. 25 study session.

What is ARPA?

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 aimed to rebuild the public sector and support economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of this legislation called for funds to be distributed to government entities, including municipalities like Commerce City. The city received just over $10.5 million to be used for governmant services.

Funding allocated so far

Of the $10.5 million the city received from ARPA, about $3 million has been allocated to date for the following uses:

Emergency shelter equipment - $1.5 million
Grant-writing pilot program for the city - $1 million
Rental assistance for residents - $500,000
TrackNGO program - $75,000
- Provides equipment to rescue individuals and stranded motorists during heavy snowstorms and other severe weather events.

What will the remaining funds be used for?

The city is collecting feedback from residents about how you would like the remaining $7.5 million in ARPA funds to be used.

Based on City Council direction, the proposals drafted to date have mostly involved using the funds to combat homelessness in our community and provide services to residents at risk of becoming unsheltered.

View the recent Homeless Prevention, Support Services, and Built Environment Initiative presentation given to city council on June 12, 2023.

Proposed uses to date include:

Bridge Housing
- Short-term housing to provide stability while in transition to permanent housing.
Resource Center
- To provide wrap around services to residents.
Housing Assistance
- Rental, mortgage, utilities, deposits/fees, eviction prevention.
Transportation
- Increase in services, RTD passes
Mental Health Services
- Engage with residents in need of mental health services.
Food Equity
- Healthy food distribution, accessibility.

Do you have further ideas? Complete the online comment form above to share additional feedback.