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American Rescue Plan Act Funds

The City of Irvine has established this webpage to help share the latest information regarding the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act with our community. We encourage you to check back to this page frequently for the latest news, information and guidelines regarding the implementation of the Act.

At its meeting on October 26, 2021, the Irvine City Council approved the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending plan. The spending plan for the $56 million allocation aligns with the City’s five strategic priorities: Quality of Life, Natural Environment, Traffic and Mobility, Fiscal Strength, and Organizational Excellence.

Read the full news release here.

About the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act

On March 11, President Joseph R. Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), which established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. ARPA provides funding for many programs and services nationwide. It includes benefits directly to individuals, such as recovery rebates, extended unemployment benefits, and additional assistance for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It also includes assistance to small businesses and to state and local governments as well as school districts. Additionally, $360 billion of this one-time aid will be directly allocated to states and localities on a formulaic basis.

Through the passage of ARPA, the City will be allocated $56 million in two equal allotments (May 2021 and 2022).

ARPA Video- Korean
ARPA Video - Japanese
ARPA Video - Farsi
ARPA video - Chinese (Traditional)
ARPA Video - Chinese (Simplified)

Important Dates and Key Materials

July 31, 2021 - Recovery Plan Performance Report
June 30, 2022 - Recovery Plan Performance Report
June 30, 2023 - Recovery Plan Performance Report
September 20: Irvine Finance Commission to Consider Spending Framework
- ARPA Staff Report
September 27: Irvine Finance Commission to Consider Spending Framework
- ARPA Staff Report - Finance Commission Agenda Item 2. Proposed Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Relief Funds.
October 5: Transportation Commission to Consider Spending Framework
- ARPA Staff Report
October 6: Community Services Commission to Consider Spending Framework
- Spending Plan
October 12: City Council to Consider Spending Framework
October 26: City Council to Consider Spending Framework

How and when can ARPA funds be used?

The permitted use of the funds, as stated in the law, are proscribed and limited as follows:
- To respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality;
- To respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers;
- For the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 public health emergency relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year prior to the emergency; and
- To make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.
The U.S. Treasury Department will distribute the funds in two equal allotments, one received in May 2021 and the second anticipated in May 2022
The projects/programs must be completed before 2024 
There is no expectation for the program to continue after 2024