Cincinnatians have until Monday at 9 a.m. to sign up for virtual public comment at a hearing about federal stimulus funding. Council members will hear from residents about how the city should spend $290 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
City Hall will partially re-open to the public starting Monday, so residents can also speak in-person. The hearing begins at 1 p.m.
Meanwhile, Mayor John Cranley is moving ahead with his own plans for some of the funds.
Cranley introduced four ordinances last week asking council to approve spending a total of $14 million from ARPA:
- $7 million for performing arts support grants, including public performances this summer
- $1 million for an outdoor dining grant program
- $2 million for outdoor dining and pedestrian safety improvements
- $4 million for restaurant grants
All are programs Cranley and City Manager Paula Boggs Muething have been promoting publicly. The full plan from Boggs Muething includes proposed spending for the entire stimulus amount.
The Budget and Finance Committee could vote on the measures as soon as Monday. Chair David Mann says he won't call for a vote because its too soon to make spending decisions.
The Biden administration hasn't released official guidance for the funds.
How To Participate In The Public Hearing April 19
Residents can participate in the second public hearing about stimulus spending by signing up through the regular public comment process for Cincinnati City Council meetings.
The online registration form is available at https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/council/public-speakers-registration/.
The form must be submitted by 9 a.m. Monday, April 19. The hearing is set to begin at 1 p.m.
Read more about the City Manager's stimulus spending proposal below:
Funding Priorities for Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund by WVXU News on Scribd
