A Local Government Guide to ARPA Allocations Using Community Feedback

Learn how you can make the most impact by weaving community feedback into your American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation strategy.

The successful allocation of ARPA funds requires more than just identifying areas in need of financial support; it necessitates a deep understanding of your community’s needs, priorities, and concerns. By incorporating robust community engagement into your strategy, you can ensure that your investment decisions resonate with residents, gain the support of council members, and ultimately deliver equitable and effective relief for your community.

With active community engagement, you can:

• Assess Community Needs & Priorities: Gather insights directly from residents to understand the most pressing issues and where funds should be directed.
• Align Residents with Your Investment Decisions: Foster transparency and trust by involving the community in the decision-making process, ensuring that your spending aligns with their expectations.
• Bring Council Members on Board: Use community feedback to build a compelling case for your spending recommendations, making it easier to gain the support of council members and other stakeholders.
• Measure the Ongoing Impact of Funding Decisions: Track how your allocations are affecting the community over time, allowing for adjustments and continuous improvement.
• Use Community Feedback Metrics for ARPA & CDBG Reporting: Leverage the data collected to satisfy reporting requirements and demonstrate the impact of your decisions to federal and local entities.

To maximize the effectiveness of your ARPA funds, it’s essential to have a strategic approach that places community feedback at the heart of your allocation process. Download our comprehensive local government guide to learn more about how you can allocate ARPA funds strategically, using community feedback to ensure long-term relief and recovery for your residents.