ARPA Update Memo

City of El Mirage — Regular Meeting (2025-02-19)

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City Manager’s Office 
10000 North El Mirage Rd., El Mirage 85335 
623-972-8116; TDD 623-933-3258 
www.elmirageaz.gov 
 
MEMORANDUM 
TO:  
 
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL 
FROM:  
CITY MANAGER J. CRYSTAL DYCHES 
SUBJECT: 
UPDATE OF THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDS 
DATE:  
JANUARY 28, 2025 
 
I. Executive Summary 
 
The City of El Mirage strategically allocated $11,940,792 in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal 
Recovery Funds (SLFRF) under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to address pandemic-
related challenges and enhance community resilience. To date, $10.94 million has been 
invested in infrastructure, public safety, and community services, while the remaining $1 million 
is reserved for affordable housing initiatives. These funds are on track to be fully utilized by the 
federal deadline of December 31, 2026. Achievements include regional connectivity 
improvements, public safety enhancements, and expanded community services. 
 
II. Background of ARPA and SLFRF 
 
Legislative Overview:  
 
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), enacted in March 2021, provided $350 billion in 
economic stimulus to state, local, and Tribal governments. Through the SLFRF program, El 
Mirage received $11,940,792 to mitigate the economic and public health impacts of the 
COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
Updates: 
• Final Rule (January 6, 2022): Simplified reporting requirements with a $10 million 
revenue replacement allowance. 
• ARPA Flex (August 10, 2023): Expanded eligible spending categories, including 
emergency relief, transportation infrastructure, and HUD-aligned projects. 
 
These updates enabled the City to adapt its priorities and maximize the benefits for the 
community.

2 
 
III. El Mirage Allocation and Spending Framework 
 
The City of El Mirage received $11,940,792 in SLFRF funds, distributed in two equal 
installments: 
• 
June 2021: $5,970,396 
• 
July 2022: $5,970,396 
 
Spending Framework: 
 
Initial allocations were established in September 2021 and revised in response to evolving 
needs and federal guidelines in April 2022, May 2023, and February 2024 to address changing 
needs and align with federal guidance. These adjustments utilized the $10 million revenue 
replacement allowance and prioritized infrastructure, public safety, and community assistance 
programs. 
 
 
Category 
Allocation Initiatives 
Infrastructure and 
Equipment 
$6,721,906 Northern Parkway Corridor, Library Expansion, Hohokam 
Multi-Use Trail, Communication Upgrades 
 
Public Safety 
$3,176,256 Police NET Team, Retention Programs, 
Firefighter/Paramedics 
 
Community Services 
$1,042,630 Senior Transit, Grant Writer Staffing, Utility and Rent 
Assistance, Senior Meals Program 
 
Affordable Housing 
(Remaining) 
$1,000,000 Partnerships with Maricopa County and Newtown 
Community Land Trust 
 
IV. Detailed Spending Overview 
 
A. Infrastructure and Equipment: $6,721,906 
 
1. Northern Parkway Corridor: $5,974,600 
o Collaborative project spanning 12.5 miles, enhancing regional connectivity and 
economic development.

3 
 
2. Library Expansion: $428,192 
o Added 1,100 square feet for broadband access, job training resources, and 
workforce development. 
 
3. Hohokam Multi-Use Trail: $207,097 
o Recreational trail promoting health, recreation, and safe outdoor activities. 
 
4. Communication Infrastructure: $112,017 
o Upgraded Council Chambers technology ($29,981), Emergency Operations Center 
($41,848), and mobile message boards ($40,188). 
 
B. Public Safety (Police & Fire): $3,176,256  
 
1. Police Neighborhood Enforcement Team (NET): $1,568,611 
o Established a specialized team to combat gun violence with salaries, vehicles, and 
equipment. 
 
2. Police Officer Retention: $1,336,052 
o Supported salaries to address retirements and enhance staffing. 
 
3. Firefighter/Paramedics: $271,593 
o Addressed public health emergencies, including vaccination programs. 
 
C. Community Services and Assistance: $1,042,630 
 
1. Community Services Staffing: $417,525 
o Funded essential positions, including a Grant Writer and Special Events 
Coordinator. 
 
2. Transit Services: $439,309 
o New senior bus and enhanced dial-a-ride services for elderly and disabled 
residents. 
 
3. Community Assistance Programs: $185,796 
o Utility, Rent, and Mortgage Assistance: $27,449 
o Homeless Outreach (Phoenix Rescue Mission): $39,933 
o Senior Meals: $118,414, providing nearly 25 meals daily at the Senior Center.

4 
 
D. Remaining Funds - Affordable Housing: $1,000,000 
• 
Partnered with Maricopa County and Newtown Community Land Trust to develop 
affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households. These 
funds will ensure long-term housing stability and address critical community needs. 
 
V. Reallocations  
 
1. Flora Statler Apartments: 
o The $500,000 allocation was reallocated to police and fire staffing due to the 
Housing Authority’s project financing challenges and federal timelines. While this 
ensures critical public safety services, the delay in affordable housing 
redevelopment highlights a continuing need for additional funding solutions. 
 
2. Community Assistance Programs: 
o El Mirage residents benefitted from $4.58 million in rental assistance and $1.71 
million in utility assistance through Maricopa County ARPA funding, allowing the 
City to reallocate funds to other priorities. 
 
VI. Summary 
 
The City of El Mirage has effectively utilized ARPA funds to address urgent pandemic-related 
needs and invest in long-term community improvements. Achievements such as the Northern 
Parkway Corridor, library expansion, and public safety initiatives demonstrate the City’s 
commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life. The remaining $1 million for affordable 
housing remains a top priority, with partnerships and strategies in place to address housing 
affordability by the federal deadline. The City will continue to monitor federal policy changes 
that may impact this initiative and adjust as needed to ensure compliance and maximize 
community benefits.

Copy of ARPA EXPENDITURES BY ACTIVITY NBR THRU 12.31.24
Activity 
Number
Activity Title
Expended       
FY 2022
Expended       
FY 2023
 Expended 
7/1/23 thru 
9/30/23
Project Expenditures 
Reported to US 
Treasury for QE 
12/31/23
Total Expended 
thru 12/31/23
Project 
Expenditures 
Reported to US 
Treasury for QE 
9/30/24
Project 
Expenditures 
Reported to US 
Treasury for QE 
12/31/24
Intended Use
Total Expended 
thru 12/31/24
Designation for Grant 
Reporting
202111001 NORTHERN PARKWAY
-
                       
500,000.00
        
5,474,600.00
    
-
                                 
5,974,600.00
      
-
                         
-
                         
5,974,600.00
      
Revenue Replacement
202111002 1ST AVE ROADWAY DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
-
                       
-
                       
-
                       
-
                                 
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
202111003 PEORIA & DYSART ROADWAY DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
-
                       
-
                       
-
                       
-
                                 
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
202111004 POLICE NEIGHBORHOOD ENFORCEMENT TEAM (NET)
352,214.06
        
741,834.62
        
145,647.06
        
75,990.88
                     
1,315,686.62
      
-
                         
-
                         
1,315,686.62
      
Non Rev Replacement
202111004 POLICE NEIGHBORHOOD ENFORCEMENT TEAM (NET)
-
                       
-
                       
-
                       
-
                                 
-
                         
135,540.40
          
117,384.95
          
252,925.35
          
Revenue Replacement
202111005 POLICE OFFICER ATTRITION
455,663.01
        
571,873.44
        
109,674.93
        
-
                                 
1,137,211.38
      
90,942.34
            
107,898.23
          
1,336,051.95
      
Revenue Replacement
202111006 PARAMEDIC/FIREFIGHTER
48,732.51
           
156,078.12
        
14,909.04
          
3,638.68
                       
223,358.35
          
-
                         
48,234.08
            
271,592.43
          
Revenue Replacement
202111007 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
-
                       
35,765.84
           
6,081.99
            
-
                                 
41,847.83
            
-
                         
-
                         
41,847.83
            
Revenue Replacement
202111008 UTILITY, RENT & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE
6,704.77
             
20,743.76
           
-
                       
-
                                 
27,448.53
            
-
                         
-
                         
27,448.53
            
Non Rev Replacement
202111009 HOME REPAIR ASSISTANCE AND WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM
-
                       
-
                       
-
                       
-
                                 
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
202111010 PHOENIX RESCUE MISSION
11,184.27
           
18,080.19
           
5,807.79
            
4,861.04
                       
39,933.29
            
-
                         
-
                         
39,933.29
            
Non Rev Replacement
202111011 I-HELP
-
                       
-
                       
-
                       
-
                                 
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
202111012 SENIOR MEALS
41,104.00
           
49,308.00
           
9,156.00
            
18,846.00
                     
118,414.00
          
-
                         
-
                         
118,414.00
          
Non Rev Replacement
202111013 TRANSIT
143,920.29
        
90,000.00
           
41,716.36
          
77,630.93
                     
353,267.58
          
-
                         
-
                         
353,267.58
          
Non Rev Replacement
SENIOR BUS
86,041.79
           
-
                       
-
                                 
86,041.79
            
-
                         
-
                         
86,041.79
            
Non Rev Replacement
202111014 LIBRARY EXPANSION
428,192.23
        
-
                       
-
                       
-
                                 
428,192.23
          
-
                         
-
                         
428,192.23
          
Revenue Replacement
202111015 SMALL BUSINESS HAZARD MITIGATION
-
                       
-
                       
-
                       
-
                                 
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
202111016 DYSART-CACTUS TRAIL
-
                       
139,723.81
        
55,276.19
          
12,097.27
                     
207,097.27
          
-
                         
-
                         
207,097.27
          
Revenue Replacement
202111017 FIRE ENGINE REPLACEMENT
-
                       
-
                       
-
                       
-
                                 
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
202111018 MESSAGE BOARDS - ALN 21.027 CSLFRF
-
                       
40,187.54
           
-
                       
-
                                 
40,187.54
            
-
                         
-
                         
40,187.54
            
Revenue Replacement
202111019 COUNCIL CHAMBER TECH UPGRADE - ALN 21.027 CSLFRF
-
                       
29,980.53
           
-
                       
-
                                 
29,980.53
            
-
                         
-
                         
29,980.53
            
Revenue Replacement
202111020 COMMUNITY SERVICES WAGES - ALN 21.027 CSLFRF
-
                       
322,758.28
        
94,766.59
          
-
                                 
417,524.87
          
-
                         
-
                         
417,524.87
          
Revenue Replacement
202111021 MARICOPA COUNTY/NEWTOWN
-
                                 
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
Revenue Replacement
TOTALS
1,487,715.14
     
2,802,375.92
     
5,957,635.95
    
193,064.80
                  
10,440,791.81
    
226,482.74
          
273,517.26
          
10,940,791.81
    
Non Revenue Replacement TOTALS
555,127.39
        
1,006,008.36
     
202,327.21
        
177,328.85
                  
1,940,791.81
      
-
                         
-
                         
1,940,791.81
      
Revenue Replacement TOTALS
932,587.75
        
1,796,367.56
     
5,755,308.74
    
15,735.95
                     
8,500,000.00
      
226,482.74
          
273,517.26
          
9,000,000.00
      
VARIANCE
-
                       
-
                       
-
                       
(0.00)
                              
-
                         
-
                         
-
                         
Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CSLFRF) / American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
June-21
Tranche #1
5,970,395.91
      
July-22
Tranche #2
5,970,395.90
      
Total
11,940,791.81
    
Expended through 12/31/2024
10,940,791.81
    
Unexpended @ 12/31/2024
1,000,000.00
      
Revenue Replacement Allowance
10,000,000.00
    
Revenue Replacement Allocations through 12/31/2024
9,000,000.00
      
Unexpended Revenue Replacement Allowance @ 12/31/2024
1,000,000.00
      
Beginning Non-Revenue Replacement Balance
1,940,791.81
      
Non-Revenue Replacement Expenditures through 12/31/2024
1,940,791.81
      
Unexpended Non-Revenue Replacement Balance @ 12/31/2024
-
                         
Unexpended @ 12/31/2024
1,000,000.00
      
Prepared by Nicholas DeWin 1/27/2025
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