In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno created the Department of Recovery and Business Continuity (“DRBC”), with the objective of effectively, efficiently, and equitably administering ARPA funds within the City of Springfield for all eligible use categories, as determined by the United States Department of the Treasury through its Interim Final Rule. DRBC is responsible for utilizing public input gathered from the City’s residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to implement an open and transparent process for ARPA funding to be distributed, so that the maximum benefit is derived for the people of Springfield, in furtherance of the goals and objectives of the Act.
To support the DRBC objective, the Department has created three (3) surveys for Residents, Businesses, and Nonprofits. All three surveys will be available on-line until September 13, 2021. Public participation is strongly encouraged, so please fill out a survey and help Springfield determine how to best ensure that ARPA funds will have the most significant and longest lasting impact on our community.
The webpage and surveys can be found at the web address below:
https://www.springfield-ma.gov/finance/index.php?id=arpa
Mayor Sarno states, “I want to applaud Attorney Moore for establishing and posting this webpage so that our residents and business community can provide input on the best use of ARPA funding. We have another transformative opportunity to continue to shape the future of our City, similar to the numerous neighborhood and economic development projects my administration made post-tornado. As previously announced, I have created seven (7) categories; Job Creation/Economic Development, Capital Projects, Assistance for Businesses, Non-Profits, Senior Assistance, Neighborhood/Household Assistance, and Housing Development/Redevelopment, in which my administration will issue RFP’s in order to enhance these initiatives for the betterment of all in our City.”
“In addition, I am looking forward to the listening sessions with our Neighborhood Councils,” Mayor Sarno added.
Attorney Moore stated, “The new webpage will be a resource for people to obtain the most up-to-date information about the City's ARPA funds, and will provide another opportunity for Springfield's residents, businesses, and nonprofits to give their opinions on spending priorities, or to ask questions. The on-line surveys now available are an important method of collecting data, in addition to the essential public outreach efforts already underway by the City's elected officials. Whether it is sending an email, speaking with an elected official, submitting an on-line survey, or attending a neighborhood meeting with City officials, people are strongly encouraged to participate in whatever way they are able to, so that as much public input as possible can be received."