Sonoma County is looking for residents to serve on a work group that will help allocate $96 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide relief from public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ARPA will fund immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses, and support systemic public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the unequal impact of the pandemic. ARPA puts an emphasis on addressing needs of low-income communities and communities of color most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Community members and representatives of local community–based organizations or service providers representing the five supervisorial districts are invited to apply to serve on the ARPA Community Work Group.
“The lived experiences, perspectives, and expertise of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are fundamental to ensuring that these funds go to address the disproportionate impact of this pandemic,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Our job here is to uplift and value these voices in a meaningful partnership.”
Participants will attend monthly meetings, periodic work groups and review meeting materials. Time commitments may vary at different stages of the process.
The ARPA Work Group will assist County staff in establishing guidelines and measures for use of ARPA funds toward recovery of impacted communities. It also will create effective community partnerships to ensure broad access to ARPA funds and ensure planning aligns with the County’s Racial Equity & Social Justice pillar within the Board of Supervisors’ Five-Year Strategic Plan that was approved in March.
Interested residents should review the application process and candidate checklist to apply by Sept. 6. For more about the ARPA Community Work Group visit www.sonomacounty.ca.gov/CAO/ARPA. Send all questions and inquiries to ARPA@sonoma-county.org.
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