City Council ARPA Work Session - FEB 1, 2022

The City Council of Asheville held an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) work session on February 1, 2022, to review funding proposals from 22 organizations and city departments. The session focused on allocating the remaining $17.9 million of ARPA funds, after $8.4 million had already been budgeted. Presentations highlighted projects addressing affordable housing, homelessness services, small business recovery, public health, and community infrastructure. Several organizations requested funding for initiatives such as mental health counseling, workforce development, affordable housing construction, urban agriculture, and inclusive government engagement. The council discussed the need for additional information and planned follow-up questions to be submitted by elected officials, with final funding decisions expected by March or April 2022. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were made during this session, but the meeting set the stage for future procurement and funding allocations related to ARPA projects.