American Rescue Plan Act Initiatives
"ARPA" - Flexible Funding to Support Our Community
The American Rescue Plan Act, H.R. 1319 (ARPA) was signed into law by President Biden in March of 2021. ARPA funds are intended to help non-entitlement units of government, including the City of Fort Bragg, to mitigate the fiscal effects stemming from the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19. Initially, the City Council planned to dedicate the City's ARPA allocation for Broadband construction. In late 2024, following the City's success in grant-funding the Broadband initiative, the City Council approved the repurposing of ARPA funds to several projects aimed at stimulating economic growth, enhancing the community’s aesthetic appeal, supporting local businesses, and creating a more navigable and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The repurposing of the ARPA funds provide a unique opportunity to implement these initiatives.
Low-interest loans with flexible terms, intended to support business expansion and job creation.
Matching grants for up to 50% of project costs for exterior or interior improvements to commercial buildings in the downtown.
Housing Initiatives
Recognizing the critical need for affordable and accessible housing, ARPA funds have been reaollated to support a variety of housing programs aimed at stabilizing and expanding Fort Bragg’s housing stock, including encouraging the development of vacant or underutilizing lots, workforce housing support grants, vacant building conversions, affordable housing development, rehabilitation of existing homes, and incentives for new accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Building on the framework outlined in a 2015 study, the City plans to implement directional way-finding signage throughout the Central Business District and along Main street. This initiative aims to improve navigation, enhance the downtown experience for visitors, and increase accessibility to key attractions, businesses, and public amenities.
The Fort Bragg Mural Project, in partnership with the Alley Way Arts Project , seeks to enrich the city’s visual landscape by adding vibrant and culturally relevant murals to the Central Business District and other key locations. This initiative will celebrate Fort Bragg’s unique history, culture, and values while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the city.
Homeward Bound Program
The Homeward Bound Project provides a compassionate and effective solution for individuals experiencing homelessness by helping them reunite with family or support networks in other locations, reducing homelessness in our community. By offering financial assistance for transportation, we can facilitate a safe, stable transition back to environments where individuals have access to family support.
Technology Upgrades
This funding will focus on enhancing the City’s digital infrastructure, making it easier for residents and businesses to interact with city services online. Key initiatives include the installation of public Wi-Fi at Town Hall and City Hall, upgrading the City’s website for online services to improve the user experience, and implementing an online booking system for city facility usage.
