The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) was signed into law on March 11, 2021, and provides $350 billion in additional funding for state and local governments navigating the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Funds were distributed by the U.S. Treasury to states and eligible local governments and are to be used to cover COVID-19 related expenses and impacts from the pandemic. Multnomah County will be receiving a total direct allocation of $157.8 million. Funding will be provided to Multnomah County in two tranches: 50% or $78.9m received in May of 2021 and the remaining balance no earlier than 12 months from the date of first payment. The funds are available to be spent through December 31, 2024.
As the local Public Health Authority, Multnomah County plays a leading role in the regional COVID-19 response. In addition to the work of coordinating the response, COVID-19 and the associated economic impacts have increased the demand for County safety net services, while also disrupting County operations. The Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and American Rescue Plan (ARPA) have provided resources necessary to support this work.
Multnomah County’s COVID-19 Response Guiding Principles:
- Inclusively lead with race in order to best serve people and populations who been disproportionately impacted by inequities. We honor the expertise, relationships, and resilience within communities of color through our partnerships and co-create solutions.
- Using an equity and racial justice approach helps us take into consideration inequities, current disease trends and a deeply held belief that there is tremendous value and positive impact in services provided in the language and cultural traditions or our diverse communities.
- Providing excellent service and supporting people in our community is a hallmark of what we do as a government, safety net system and Local Public Health Authority. County employees and our community partners are the heart of this work. Our work is at its best when we engage and listen to the expertise and insight of those who are in and working with our community each day.
- Embedding a public health approach within our priorities allows us to consider opportunities to impact the health and wellness of our community at an individual, community and population level, using data and making investments that can have short-term and long-term benefits.
- Partnership with our jurisdictional partners, community leaders and community-based organizations is a key component to increasing the effectiveness and impact of the millions of dollars being deployed throughout the county, region and state.
Below is a link to the Multnomah County ARPA Recovery Plan for Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023. The plan provides information on the projects Multnomah County has undertaking with ARPA direct program funding and how program outcomes will be achieved in an effective, efficient, and equitable manner. The Recovery Report is updated annually as required by the US Treasury.
SLFRF Recovery Plan FY 2023 (2.55 MB)
SLFRF Recovery Plan FY 2022 (2.56 MB)
For information about the County’s ARPA (Direct Funding) investments, see link /arp