Meeting Summary
The City Council held a discussion on the allocation of the first tranche of ARPA funding. Consensus was reached to advance appropriations for COVID vaccine incentives, specific non-profit support for Food and Shelter, the Virtue Center, and the Norman Arts Council, and to establish a grant program for other non-profits. Significant discussion also occurred regarding affordable housing, 718 North Porter remediation, and potential stormwater projects.
Key Decisions & Votes
COVID Vaccine Incentives
01:50Council approved moving forward with an appropriation of $500,000 for gift cards and a raffle to incentivize COVID-19 vaccinations.
Norman Arts Council Funding
30:40Council approved moving forward with an appropriation of $100,000 to restore funding for 25 arts organizations, addressing shortfalls from hotel tax revenue due to the pandemic.
Non-profit Support Allocation
1:00:00Council reached consensus to prepare appropriations for $500,000 for Food and Shelter, $500,000 for the Virtue Center, and to establish a $900,000 grant application process for other non-profits, potentially managed by United Way.
Upcoming Community Events
Virtue Center Groundbreaking
Virtue Center Planning Commission Meeting
Moore Food and Resource Center Tour
For interested council members
Financial Matters
ARPA Funding
Total anticipated ARPA funds, with the first tranche already received.
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
ARPA funds previously appropriated for the EOC, with potential to pivot to infrastructure funds later.
COVID Vaccine Incentives
Funds allocated for gift cards and a raffle to encourage vaccination.
Food and Shelter Support
Requested funds for a food and resource center.
Virtue Center Support
Requested funds for behavioral health services.
Norman Arts Council Support
Requested funds to restore granting levels due to hotel fund shortfalls, supporting 25 arts organizations.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Placeholder amount for various affordable housing projects, including property acquisition and rehabilitation.
Entrepreneur Grants
Funds discussed for stimulating local entrepreneurial spirit, potentially including incubator space.
718 North Porter Remediation
Placeholder amount for remodeling the building for homeless population services, awaiting a Home Base report.
Stormwater Projects
Placeholder amount for top-ranked stormwater projects from the master plan.
Carter and Alameda Stormwater Park
Initial allocation for a stormwater park project, later reallocated.
SocialWise Program
Requested funds for a program to help individuals earn money and build digital resumes through community projects.
Small Business Recovery Grants
Remaining CARES Act funds available for existing businesses struggling due to the pandemic.
Coming Up
Tabled
- 718 North Porter remediation (awaiting Home Base report in September/October)
- Affordable Housing Study (RFP to be released shortly)
- Entrepreneur Grants (to be agendized with E-DAB for strategy development)
- Small Business Recovery Grants (review application process with E-DAB)
- Stormwater projects (to be brought to committee for review)
Deadlines
- Staff deadline to make the first interim report on ARPA funds usage to the Public Treasury
Watch For
- Details on the federal infrastructure bill and competitive grants (expected to include stormwater, broadband, green transit)
- Guidelines for applying for state ARPA money
- Resumption of regular COVID-19 testing sites
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding potential uses for our first tranche of ARPA funding
A discussion to guide the allocation of the initial $11.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, covering various community needs and long-term projects.