(Copied directly from: https://arp.baltimorecity.gov/)
Through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, has provided $670.3 million in one-time funding to the City of Baltimore to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative economic impacts.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott will use American Rescue Plan Act funding to make strategic, equitable investments in Baltimore’s future and cement lasting progress. The sweeping law includes many provisions, which you can learn more about here. In Baltimore, Mayor Scott will use these funds to the fullest extent of the law to support the essential City employees those who have been serving on the front-lines since the beginning of the pandemic, shore up the City’s financial health, modernize City government, and deliver resources and projects equitably throughout the City that build public trust and facilitate neighborhood-level change.
The City’s robust response to the COVID-19 public health emergency has put a strain on resources. Revenues are below their budgeted projections and expenses have increased. Revenue generated from parking and hotel taxes have plummeted as a result of the crisis. The City has also incurred significant costs from developing telework infrastructure to enable more employees to work from home, the purchase of personal protective equipment, premium pay for essential City employees, building improvements to facilitate social distancing, and much more.
Previous funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act assisted in mitigating the impact of increased expenses and allowed the City to provide over $30 million in grants to individuals, nonprofits, and small businesses. Assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also allowed the City to provide critical feeding and shelter programs for vulnerable populations. However, the crisis will have a lasting impact on the City’s financial health. Funding from the American Rescue Plan Act will allow a continuation of the City’s robust response and be a critical bridge and catalyst for the local economic recovery.
The City is expected to receive its first disbursement of American Rescue Plan Act funds in the spring of 2021. Another disbursement will be received within 1 year from the first disbursement. The funds must be fully spent by December 31, 2024.
This website will serve as a central communications hub for access to information regarding the American Rescue Plan Act in the City of Baltimore.
Accessing the Funding
American Rescue Plan Act funding for projects that respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts will be available through an application process. Funding will be available to support projects for City agencies and organizations external to the City. Projects must have a minimum request of $250,000 to be considered. Expectations and more details are available in the Application Instructions.
Below are the links to the application portal:
External Organizations Apply Here (Expected Summer 2021)
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Proposals can be saved to complete at a later date.
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guidance document is contained in the Application Instructions to provide additional assistance. For additional questions or assistance regarding the application process, please contact budget@baltimorecity.gov.