Press Releases

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Mayors Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of mayors in Ohio’s largest cities, released a report today summarizing how Ohio’s large and medium-sized cities are proposing to utilize their share of local American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding. The report also highlights the priorities and impacts these investments are having in local communities across Ohio.

As the report outlines, cities have initially proposed investing up to $1 billion in ARP funds in five categories: Budget Stabilization ($371 million), Infrastructure ($89 million), Business Recovery and Worker Support ($58 million), Public Safety ($192 million), and Housing, Social Services, and Community Development ($318 million).

“The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on cities across Ohio and the investments provided by the American Rescue Plan will be incredibly important to our economic recovery,” said Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown. “These investments will not only help us rebuild, they will also prevent potentially catastrophic funding cuts in cities like Youngstown and others throughout Ohio.”

Collectively, the 28 cities in the Ohio Mayors Alliance will receive a total of approximately $1.5 billion over two years, with the first half being allocated in 2021 and the second allocation to be provided in 2022.  Cities began announcing proposed investment priorities late last year as they sought public input and began the legislative process through the city councils.

“The timing of these funds was important as we were able to quickly invest in a major water infrastructure project that was key to finalizing a significant economic development project for the region,” said Lancaster Mayor David Scheffler. “These infrastructure investments can be very costly for cities but are vital to the long-term success of our communities.

In addition to infrastructure projects, Ohio Mayors Alliance cities are also utilizing approximately $58 million in ARP funds to invest in small business grants and loans, hazard pay for essential workers, and worker supports like childcare. Cities are also investing $192 million in public safety and violence intervention strategies.

“ARP funds are providing tools to not only continue our investments in public safety and law enforcement, but also proactive measures to address the violence in our communities,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “Our approach is comprehensive and includes prevention and intervention measures, as well as enforcement and accountability.”

The report details how both Democratic and Republican mayors in cities across Ohio are using ARP funds to stabilize their budgets, lay the groundwork for strong cities, and plan and implement transformational change for a stronger Ohio. For more information and to read the full report, please visit our website: OhioMayorsAlliance.org.

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