City of Albany Announces Funding Recommendations for American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Grant Awards

Press release from the City of Albany:

May 27, 2022

ALBANY, NY – The City of Albany American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Leadership Team is excited to announce 35 projects have been selected to receive grants from $25 million of federal relief dollars provided to Albany under President Biden's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Three quarters of the funding – approximately $18 million – is being awarded for projects that will create affordable housing, affordable homeownership, community spaces and direct services in Albany's neighborhoods of highest need. The remainder will assist small businesses and the City's hard-hit arts and tourism organizations with the ultimate goal of creating new jobs, and to projects that support workforce development.

The City of Albany received nearly 150 proposals for funding that were reviewed by five Results Teams comprised of a cross-section of residents and community leaders. Recommendations from the Results Teams were considered by the City's ARPA Leadership Team when they selected 63 proposals to move to Phase II that also included a more detailed application process.

The City of Albany ARPA Leadership Team, comprised of Mayor Kathy Sheehan, City Treasurer Darius Shahinfar, Common Council President Corey Ellis, Common Council Pro Tempore Kelly Kimbrough, Common Council Majority Leader Ginnie Farrell, Commissioner of Administrative Services Rachel McEneny, and Corporation Counsel Marisa Franchini, Esq., then reviewed the 63 Phase II applications, conducted interviews, and are proud to make the following funding recommendations.

The City of Albany ARPA Leadership Team said "This pandemic has impacted every corner of our city in a variety of different ways, but one thing has been consistent – the COVID Recovery Task Force demanded we fund highly impactful, transformative proposals using this once-in-a-generation funding. During this process, we heard from organizations and communities, including many that have not traditionally partnered with local government. The nearly 150 applicants underwent an extremely rigorous and competitive application process, and we are very proud to engage with them now as partners in accelerating Albany's recovery."

US Senator Chuck Schumer said, "I want to congratulate Mayor Sheehan and the members of the Leadership Team, Recovery Task Force, and Results Team for their hard work and vision. I fought hard to deliver this direct federal aid to every municipality to replace the lost revenue during the COVID pandemic, prevent layoffs, reward frontline workers, and help communities rebuild as we come out of the crisis. The layoffs were averted. Albany gave essential workers bonus pay. And now they have set the model for how a municipality should disburse aid throughout the community in an open, inclusive, and transparent manner. These projects will create affordable housing, promote business growth, and create jobs, all while making life in neighborhoods throughout the city better."

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "This is your federal government at work – a $25 million investment in the great city of Albany delivered by the American Rescue Plan. I fought hard to deliver this funding directly to New Yorkers, and I want to thank Mayor Sheehan and the City of Albany ARPA Leadership Team for helping direct dollars to those who need it most as we continue to recover from the pandemic. I am confident this incredible investment will increase access to quality, accessible, affordable childcare and housing, bolster small businesses, and ensure our state capital continues to thrive."

This press release was produced by the City of Albany. The views expressed here are the author's own.