Fayetteville Today

City of Fayetteville issued the following announcement on Mar. 2.

City of Fayetteville residents, businesses and non-profit organizations are invited to participate in a community needs assessment survey to help identify priorities for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.  

Two separate survey instruments are available—one for individual residents and one for businesses or non-profits in the community. Feedback from both groups will be essential data to help elected officials and City leaders determine areas of greatest potential impact and ensure equity in the process.  

The survey, available in both English and Spanish, opened today, February 24, and will be available until March 24. It is accessible by clicking the individual or business/non-profit link at fayettevillenc.gov/arpa.  

“Our goal is to provide exemplary services to residents, improving the overall quality of life, and these funds are a great opportunity to make significant advances in many areas while uplifting those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic,” said City Manager Doug Hewett. “Getting input from residents through this survey is an important part of our plan to ensure the funds are used where they are needed most.” 

Questions included in the survey cover financial, household/organizational and health impacts as well as any current or future anticipated needs. It will also provide an opportunity for residents to share what types of projects they would like to see now and in the future. All responses are provided anonymously. 

In total, the City of Fayetteville will receive more than $40 million over the course of two installments. Based on federal guidance, the funding may be used to support public health expenditures, address any negative economic impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and serve the low-income families hardest hit. The funding can also be used to invest in infrastructure improvements, replace revenue lost during the pandemic or provide pay for essential workers. 

In November, the City Council directed staff to focus on possible projects in key areas including housing and community livability, business and economic vitality, and infrastructure and community reinvestment.  

For more information about the City of Fayetteville’s American Rescue Plan Act process and implementation, along with links to the surveys, visit fayettevillenc.gov/arpa. 

Original source can be found here.