Board of Supervisors slated to review and discuss widespread impacts of American Rescue Plan Act funding on Sonoma County

The public is invited to the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday to hear how millions in American Rescue Plan Act funds invested through community-based organizations have supported the county’s safety net by bolstering food security, enhancing job training, strengthening mental health supports, expanding rural broadband and many other local programs to assist those hardest hit by the pandemic. More than $39 million has been distributed to local community organizations so far to assist historically marginalized communities.

After receiving an update on the impact of ARPA funding on Sonoma County, the Board of Supervisors will consider extending funding for 27 community projects that were initially selected to receive ARPA money. ARPA was signed into law by President Joe Biden in March 2021 to help people who suffered the most during the COVID-19 pandemic while strengthening community organizations that are best positioned to serve the county’s residents who experienced marginalization and underservice during the pandemic.

Overall, Sonoma County received $96 million from ARPA, which was divided into three categories: COVID-19 pandemic response, strategic investments in county services, and the Community Resilience Program.

The ARPA Community Resilience Program is a collaboration of the Sonoma County Administrator’s Office, Office of Equity, and Human Services Department.

During the Board of Supervisors meeting, county staff will provide an update on the results of those investments. The 27 projects selected in May 2022 for the $40 million Community Resilience Program targeted a wide range of needs, including food and financial assistance, mental health services, housing and education.

This second cycle of ARPA funding will run from Jan. 1 through the end of 2024. The Board of Supervisors has the option to extend funding for projects that demonstrate successful performance for an additional year through 2025.

Members of the public who wish to comment about this item must attend the meeting in person in the Board Chambers at 575 Administration Drive, Room 100A in Santa Rosa. Members of the public may watch or listen to the meeting on Legistar, Zoom or phone, but will not be able to comment virtually. The public is also invited to submit comments to bos@sonoma-county.org.

Members of the public may watch or listen to the meeting using one of the three following methods:

1. Watch the livestream: 
   https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx 
   Once the meeting has started, click the “In Progress” hyperlink to begin viewing.
2. Watch in Zoom: Participate by computer, tablet, or smartphone application:
   • Go to: https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/95953003079?pwd=TGhKdVJEeWlUbDJxSzVpY1U2VmxOUT09 
   • Enter meeting ID: 959 5300 3079
   • Enter Password: 919371
3. Listen through Zoom by phone:
   • Dial +1 (669) 900 9128
   • Enter meeting ID: 959 5300 3079
   • Enter password: 919371

Spanish translation will be available through Zoom.

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Media Contact:
Matt Brown, Communications Specialist
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3040
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403