Overview

What is ARPA?

(ARPA), the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, was a federal relief package providing funding to states, counties, and cities to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Contra Costa County received $224 million dollars in ARPA funding, which nearly half ($112M) was directed to Contra Costa Health (CCH) for vaccination outreach and public health response.

History

During the FY23-24 April budget hearings, The County chose to step away (for their best interest) from the U.S Treasury guidelines, who were meant to ensure ARPA funds are used to support the communities hit hardest by COVID-19—communities where health and economic disparities remain urgent. Of the remaining $37.5 million in ARPA funds, the County temporarily absorbed them into the Health Department’s fiscal budget and later placed into a new “General Fund Appropriation for Contingencies” fund. Throughout this process, the community was promised a meaningful, inclusive opportunity to help decide how all ARPA funds would be spent—but that promise has yet to be fully fulfilled.

 
 
 

Here is What’s Happening with the Remainder of ARPA Funds

  • District-Directed Funds: $5 million has been set aside specifically for district-directed allocations. Recently, the Board of Supervisors directed that $1 million be placed under the control of each of the five districts, with an additional $15,000 per district for community outreach. Recommendations from the respective Supervisors will be discussed at the October 21 Board meeting.

  • Countywide Funds: Another $9.7 million remains as countywide funds, plus $7.8 million recovered after the April budget, for a total of $14.7 million still unallocated. While some money from this pool has already been distributed, the remaining $9.7 million is currently in limbo, with some Supervisors signaling they may hold it in reserve—despite the County having over $750 million in excess reserves. Community advocacy is critical to ensure these funds are allocated equitably.

Why It Matters Now?

At a time of severe safety net funding cutbacks, we believe it is essential to utilize the remaining funds to provide critical care, promote equity, well-being, and dignity for our most impacted residents.

Use YOUR Voice!

We are at a time where many of our neighbors are afraid or unable to speak up. We encourage you to use your voice and attend any upcoming townhalls in your area.

Upcoming Townhall Dates:

  • District 2: Wednesday, September 10th - Walnut Creek, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Parkmead Elementary School, 1920 Magnolia Way, Walnut Creek

  • District 2: Monday, September 15th - San Ramon Valley, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Danville Community Center - 420 Front St, Danville

  • District 4: Friday, September 19th - Coffee with Ken, 10:00am - 11:00am, 2255 Contra Costa Blvd, Suite 202, Pleasant Hill, Registration LINK

  • District 1: Hybrid, Tuesday, September 23rd - Youth Townhall (ages 13-24 ONLY) Richmond, 5:00pm, RYSE Youth Center, 3939 Bissell Ave, Richmond

  • District 2: Wednesday September 24th - Lamorinda, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Lafayette Veterans Hall - 3780 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette

  • District 3: Thursday, September 25th - Oakley, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, 1250 O’Hara Ave, Oakley. Subscribe to D3 Newsletter HERE, to receive updates about this event!

  • District 1: Hybrid, Tuesday, September 30th - 6pm, Pinole City Hall, 2131 Pear Street, Pinole

  • District 1: Hybrid, Thursday, October 2nd - El Cerrito, 5:30pm, St. Peter Christian Methodist Episcopal Church - 5324 Cypress Ave, El Cerrito

  • District 1: Hybrid, Monday, October 6th - Richmond, 1pm, RYSE Youth Center, 3939 Bissell Ave, Richmond

  • District 1: Hybrid, Thursday, October 9th - San Pablo, 6pm, San Pablo City Hall, 1000 Gateway Ave, San Pablo

  • District 1: Hybrid, Saturday, October 11th - Richmond, 10am, RYSE Youth Center, 3939 Bissell Ave, Richmond

  • District 5 dates coming soon!

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

  • Friday, September 26th, 5pm - Supervisor Carlson is excited to announce that the application for the District 4, Community Impact Fund is now live! You may access it here. The application window will close on Friday, September 26 at 5:00pm.

  • For all District 1 townhalls, Click Here to RSVP

Call To Action!

Here are a few different ways to interact with YOUR Supervisor and share your priorities:

  1. Attend one or more town halls in your preferred Supervisorial District & share your voice and perspective on community needs!

  2. Submit your response to the County’s Community Needs Assessment Survey!

  3. If you are unable to attend a town hall, please complete the survey above, and or call/email your supervisor instead

  4. Tuesday, October 21, 9:00 AM – Join us at the Board Chambers in Martinez, (in person or on Zoom) to hear a presentation on the priorities that came out of the community town halls and survey. This is also a chance to make your voice heard during public comment. BJC will share more details and tips on how to participate as the date gets closer. Stay tuned!

  5. Don’t miss out! Sign up for our email list to get the latest updates on these events and to stay informed about the Board of Supervisors’ funding decisions. Sign Up HERE or email sara@budgetjusticecc.org for additional information or questions.

  6. Lastly, share this information broadly with your colleagues, neighbors, and networks and encourage them to take action today!

Submit Your Response to the County’s Community Needs Assessment Survey

Submit your response to the County’s Community Needs Assessment Survey