American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
blue box with text: Arpa Survey Use your voice

The City of Columbia received a total of $25.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first half of this funding has been designated for initiatives related to homelessness, community violence, behavioral crisis care mental health services, and workforce development. The City Council requested that the second half be allocated to priority areas identified by the community. A community-wide survey was conducted during the month of June 2022 to gather feedback. The survey data was accompanied by rich conversations collected via focus groups, which were conducted in the month of August, 2022. Thanks to everyone who participated in this process. The full report of the community engagement survey and focus groups can be found here.

Proposals were scored on alignment with ARPA priorities and the City strategic plan, demonstration of need, efficiency (program costs per individual and project goals), equity impact, outcome measurement, and financial sustainability past 2026.

On September 28th, 2023, a press release was published announcing Council’s intent to fund selected entities. Council voted to approve this resolution at their regular council meeting on Monday, October 2nd. You can find the list of organizations selected to receive ARPA funds in the documents tab labeled “ARPA Exhibit A”.

Proposals and letters of intent, along with scoring, can be found here.

Currently, the City is working with organizations to get final agreements in place. Thank you to all organizations who applied, and we look forward to investing in our community together!

Questions can be submitted below or for issues send an email to ARPA@como.gov


The City of Columbia received a total of $25.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first half of this funding has been designated for initiatives related to homelessness, community violence, behavioral crisis care mental health services, and workforce development. The City Council requested that the second half be allocated to priority areas identified by the community. A community-wide survey was conducted during the month of June 2022 to gather feedback. The survey data was accompanied by rich conversations collected via focus groups, which were conducted in the month of August, 2022. Thanks to everyone who participated in this process. The full report of the community engagement survey and focus groups can be found here.

Proposals were scored on alignment with ARPA priorities and the City strategic plan, demonstration of need, efficiency (program costs per individual and project goals), equity impact, outcome measurement, and financial sustainability past 2026.

On September 28th, 2023, a press release was published announcing Council’s intent to fund selected entities. Council voted to approve this resolution at their regular council meeting on Monday, October 2nd. You can find the list of organizations selected to receive ARPA funds in the documents tab labeled “ARPA Exhibit A”.

Proposals and letters of intent, along with scoring, can be found here.

Currently, the City is working with organizations to get final agreements in place. Thank you to all organizations who applied, and we look forward to investing in our community together!

Questions can be submitted below or for issues send an email to ARPA@como.gov


ARPA Q and A

Please submit your questions about the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Community Engagement project or ARPA funding project. City staff will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.

loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    How will the "Community Violence" funds be used?

    dennisbahls asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The following proposals focusing on community violence were selected to be funded:

    • In2Action’s community enrichment program - $750,000

    • Columbia Supreme’s Youth Mentoring Program - $150,000

    • United Community Builder’s Beacon of Light Community Center - $750,000

    • Destiny of H.O.P.E.’s Critical Change Gang Prevention Program - $320,000

    • Boone County Nature School - $200,000

    • To see the contents of the proposals, please visit this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QJ3tlComsfcJQ17SqJlU33GOi9N2iZIh

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    I like the plan. Now when will this money start funding really projects? Especially homelessness, housing and community safety?

    Khoreekage asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your question. A dedicated team at the City is working to get contracts in place as quickly as possible. Timing will depend on when we receive all necessary documentation and when we are able to get items on the agenda for final council approval. We are hopeful that we will have at least some contracts executed by the end of this calendar year.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    PLEASE, could we set up grants to individual home owners in places like first ward/Central Columbia for alternative energy utilities. Personally I really want a geo-sourced heat pump with solar panels to help make my house completely electric and still something I can afford to pay. So many lower income home owners would like to upgrade and work towards carbon-neutral and environmentally friend energy sources, but we lack the capital to pay the initial costs!! Even with tax deductions, I just can't afford to jump without some sort of help! My old house has other things that need fixing which take priority, so that utilities are never an option.

    kt asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your question. We did not receive any proposals addressing alternative energy. One of the proposals selected for ARPA funds was utility assistance, which will provide additional funding for the City’s existing program. If you are interested in discussing options for assistance, please reach out to our social services division at 573-874-7488.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Hi, was the humane society not allowed to be considered in any capacity? I'm thinking even as it relates to public health and animal control. I'm very curious and would love your thoughts. Thanks! Jen Horton

    Jenniferhorton1972 asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The categories that were opened for funding consideration were workforce development and support, mental health, community violence, access to services, homelessness, and affordable housing. All organizations were able to submit applications for consideration.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    What are the start and end dates for the ARPA Homelessness funding?

    clarkmj asked 7 months ago

    Hi, if you are referring to the application for ARPA funding related to homelessness, submissions were accepted from 2/17/23-2/27/23 (RFP 89/2023). Let us know if this did not answer your question.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Hi there. I'm working on my Apricot Submission. As a new company, I am still in the process of developing many of the items listed under 'General Information' within the Org Profile. Examples include: bylaws, strategic plan, etc. Is everything listed here required?

    Rachel asked 7 months ago

    Hi, we just ask that you fill out the organizational profile to the best of your ability. We will request additional information as needed. Thanks for your question!

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Affordable housing was listed as a funding project for later rounds. It looks like this page no longer mentions later funding rounds. Was there a change or will there be a round that includes affordable housing (not homelessness).

    Austin asked 8 months ago

    Applications were accepted for affordable housing and access to services from 3/6/2023-3/22/2023 (RFP 105/2023). At this time, the City is no longer accepting applications for ARPA funding. 

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    What document outside of the Q and A were the deadline and time published?

    Anthony asked 9 months ago

    The deadline and time of closure were published in the City's RFP, as well as in the newspaper. RFPs can be found on the bidding site at https://www.como.gov/finance/vendors/bid-solicitations/

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    What time is the deadline for submitting a proposal on Mar. 22nd? 11:59p.m. on the 22nd?

    GAP asked 9 months ago

    5PM Central time on March 22nd.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Do I Need an Apricot account to qualify for the ARPA funds?

    Anthony asked 9 months ago

    Apricot is the system used to submit full proposals. If you are asked to submit a full proposal after your letter of intent is reviewed, staff can assist in creating an Apricot account for you.

Page last updated: 18 Oct 2023, 09:43 AM