Linn County to hold more forums for input on how to spend American Rescue Plan funds

Linn County residents will have more opportunities to provide input regarding the county’s allocation of $44 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

According to a county news release, forums are planned for:

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center, 935 Second St. SW, Cedar Rapids. (This forum will be livestreamed on the county’s Facebook page.)

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Lynn Dunn Memorial Building on the Linn County Fairgrounds, 201 Central City Road, Central City

The first public engagement forum was held Aug. 11 at the downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library, where attendees expressed concerns about housing, child care and climate.

Funds provided through the American Rescue Plan Act are meant to support economic recovery from losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The forums aim to help explain the purpose of the American Rescue Plan and identify broad priorities to guide the use of these federal funds in Linn County. County staff will give a presentation, participate in a question-and-answer session and offer the opportunity for public input.

“Our process is designed to be open and transparent. Everyone deserves to be heard, which is why we are working to bring as many stakeholders to the table as possible,” Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker said in a statement. “At the end of the day, these dollars belong to the people so we should co-create people-oriented solutions to meet their needs and make our community better.”

Residents also may take a survey at LinnCounty.org/ARPA to offer feedback on potential priorities for the county’s allocation of the funds.

Once community priorities are identified, Linn County will open an application process for eligible applicants to apply for a share of these funds. The county will provide application guidelines and eligibility requirements once details are finalized, likely later this fall.

Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com