BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — On Monday, Mayor Brandon Scott delivered an address regarding the $641 million Baltimore will receive from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in response to the negative economic impacts from the coronavirus pandemic.
“In a city like Baltimore with deep systemic challenges even before the pandemic, we must be strategic and targeted in our approach — with an eye toward making a definitive, measured impact on our city through a lens of equity,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott during the address. “When we’re dealing with problems that predate my lifetime, we understand that this will not happen overnight. And at the same time, we know that if we make investments in the right way, we can make a genuine impact.”
Starting October 1, the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs will open a public portal for proposals advanced by Baltimore nonprofit organizations.
Once the proposal is received, it will be reviewed by a 7-member team. Officials will then work to assist applicants from budget developments to program design.
"The first round of awards will be announced throughout September and October. They will include investments in: the continued fight against COVID-19; community-based violence reduction initiatives; economic recovery, with a focus on Black, Brown, and women-owned businesses, as well as artists and creators; workforce development; and broadband and digital equity," the mayor's office said in a news release.
The Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs will hold a virtual informational session regarding the process on September 28.
To learn more about criteria and how to apply, visit arp.baltimorecity.gov.
Additionally, Mayor Scott says the city will make deep investments in broadband infrastructure with a focus on digital equity.
Details regarding investments will be made in a series of announcements throughout September and October.
If you missed my address, you can watch it here: https://t.co/iJ3Dsgscu9
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) September 13, 2021