LYNN — The mayor’s office and the City Council are seeking proposals from local community-based organizations, nonprofits and businesses that are eligible for the second round of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding.
Mayor Jared Nicholson said in a written release that the city is seeking organizations that align with “the City of Lynn’s spending and strategic priorities.”
These priorities were determined during a public outreach process from Feb. 8 to March 31. The city distributed surveys to approximately 1,653 respondents to gather a sense of the community’s top concerns for pandemic response and recovery efforts.
Survey feedback guided the first round of ARPA allocations toward improvements to parks and greenspace, housing cost reduction, roadway and sidewalk improvements, food security, and workforce development.
Councilor-At-Large Brian Field said that the careful and strategic allocation of ARPA funding can make a significant difference in the overall functioning of the city and its residents.
“Funding from the American Rescue Plan Act presents a real opportunity for cities like Lynn to make game-changing investments in infrastructure, human capital, public safety and quality of life,” Field said. “That’s why it is so important to be strategic with ARPA funding decisions – and most importantly, to give the public a voice in how this money is spent.”
The collection of project submittals will close at midnight on Oct. 17. Organizations that sent in a project proposal for ARPA investment during the Phase I Submittal Period last spring are encouraged to fill out a shorter application form for returning applicants, as the city already has their standard documentation and agency information on file.
Nicholson said that the city plans on using the funds to help the community recover from the adverse effects of the pandemic. He said that he encourages eligible organizations and residents to apply for the second round of funding.
“We should take full advantage of these funds to address the ongoing toll of the pandemic and build a healthier, more resilient community,” Nicholson said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity that we have to collaborate with the City Council and come up with real solutions to move our city forward. I encourage residents and interested parties to complete the online application process.”
