American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

About ARPA

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319), also known as ARPA, into law.  The $1.9 trillion package is intended to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts. ARPA allocates hundreds of billions of dollars for public health and vaccines, assistance for vulnerable populations, education and housing stabilization, economic recovery assistance and direct assistance. 

About 19% of ARPA funds are dedicated to the Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF). These funds are sent to nearly every State, Tribal Nation, County, City, Town, and Village across the country--including Somerville. Funds can be used for the following purposes: responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impacts; to provide premium pay to essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic; to replace government's lost revenue; and to make investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. 

Funds must be obligated by December 31st, 2024, and fully spent by December 31st, 2026. Most projects must close by December 31st, 2024—discuss with ARPA staff for more details. 

ARPA-Funded Projects

• List of Nonprofit Round Awardees

These projects are supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP1753 awarded to City of Somerville MA by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

City of Somerville Grant Opportunities

As some ARPA-funded projects begin to close, we'd like to promote other grant opportunities available at the City of Somerville.

• Somerville Arts Council – Local Cultural Council, other grants
  • Funding for art-related programs and work done by individuals or organizations
• Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD)
  • Workforce and Talent Development
    • Funding for programs that promote the creation and retention of jobs in Somerville
  • Affordable Housing Trust Fund
    • Funding for the development of affordable housing
  • Community Development Block Grant RFPs
    • Funding available for multiple project types
• Energy Efficiency Opportunities
  • Funding to support making the city more energy efficient
• Community Preservation Act
  • Funding opportunities related to affordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and outdoor recreation.
• Procurement Department listing of open RFPs
  • Open RFPs from multiple City departments on a variety of topics

Each page provides a staff contact in case you have questions about that particular funding opportunity.