American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in Northampton

Public Input

Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra and Northampton’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Commission invite all Northampton residents and community members as well as Northampton-based businesses, nonprofits and organizations to share input about the use of Northampton’s ARPA funds at eight listening sessions to be held at different locations and times in Northampton and Florence. The Commission will also be soliciting feedback on the development of the application process to ensure equitable access for all members of the community. The community is invited to share their thoughts on the current needs of Northampton as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.  

PRESS RELEASE: Mayor Sciarra’s ARPA Advisory Commission Seeks Input on Community Directed ARPA Fund Grant Process - June 2, 2022 (PDF)

PRESIONE SOLTAR: La Comisión Asesora de ARPA del alcalde Sciarra busca opiniones sobre el proceso de concesión de fondos ARPA dirigidos a la comunidad - June 2, 2022 (PDF)

Listening Sessions Schedule:

Tuesday, June 7 @ 12 p.m.       HYBRID MEETING
City Council Chambers, Municipal Building, 212 Main St.
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/94633260467?pwd=ZU1zWWhGYy9SSlpsUnNQTmxtc2JxQT09
This session is aimed at small businesses, non-profits, or other community organizations. However, all community members are welcome to attend. 
Wednesday, June 8 @ 6 p.m.     IN PERSON MEETING
Jackson Street School, 120 Jackson St., Cafeteria
Childcare available. Sign up in advance with the Mayor's office.
Spanish language interpreter available.
Thursday, June 9 @ 7 p.m.         VIRTUAL MEETING
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/96105569753?pwd=L3dUT0dXYjhGRzV6cURiWWloZWltUT09
Monday, June 13 @ 5:30 p.m.     IN PERSON MEETING
Union Station, 125A Pleasant St.
Wednesday, June 15 @ 2 p.m.   IN PERSON MEETING
Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St.
Thursday, June 16 @ 3:30 p.m.  IN PERSON MEETING
Florence Civic Center, 90 Park St., Florence
This session is aimed at small businesses, non-profits, and other community organizations. However, all community members are welcome to attend.
Tuesday, June 21 @ 7 a.m.          VIRTUAL MEETING
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95578365185?pwd=eVUvaVBUeUtlSzh4Y3JnS2NTRWdZZz09
Thursday, June 23 @ 6 p.m.        IN PERSON
Florence Heights Community Room, 178 Florence Road, Florence
Spanish language interpreter available

Advisory Commission Members

  • Barbara Black
  • Clare Morenon
  • Dorothy Nemetz
  • Elena Huisman
  • Heather Warner
  • Karen Foster, City Council Vice-President/Ward 2
  • Lionel Romain
  • Pamela Schwartz
  • Peter Whalen
  • Rich Cooper
  • Stanley Moulton, Ward 1 City Councilor
  • Vince Jackson

Presentations

Survey Results Presentation to the ARPA Commission

ARPA Presentations to City Council

Developing a Transparent, Strategic & Equitable Plan for Northampton's Federal COVID-19 Funding

Overview

  • On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a far-reaching COVID recovery measure proposed by the Biden-Harris Administration. 
  • This $1.9 trillion measure provides direct financial relief to Americans, assistance to businesses, and aid to states, counties, and municipalities.
  • In total, Northampton will receive $21,747,984.00 in ARPA funds over the course of the next two years. All of the funding must be committed by December 31, 2024, and fully expended by December 31, 2026.

  • How can Northampton Spend the Money?

    There are four acceptable categories of use:

    1. Respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality.
    2. Pay workers providing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
    3. Provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue to the city due to the COVID-19 public health emergency in the most recent full fiscal year.
    4. Make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.

  • Goals for Distributing ARPA Funds

    • Seek extensive input and feedback from the community to help structure the city's use of ARPA funding
    • Design a transparent, accessible, and equitable project selection process for allocating funds
    • Prioritize projects, people, businesses, and organizations with a focus on those most impacted by COVID-19
    • Leverage other state and federal resources to maximize Northampton’s ARPA funding
    • Cover the city’s costs to administer ARPA funds