Skip to main content

American Rescue Plan Act

About ARPA

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CSLFRF, aka ARPA) which provides $350 billion to state and local governments for the response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Of Vermont’s $1.25 billion share, over $200 million was allocated to municipalities.

Legislative bodies have discretion and flexibility over how to spend their local ARPA funds. VLCT encourages its members to take their time, be thoughtful, and plan strategically. 

ARPA reporting is due annually by April 30th through 2027.  

VLCT extends our thanks to the Vermont Legislature and Governor Phil Scott, their support allowed VLCT to establish the ARPA Assistance and Coordination Program to support Vermont’s towns, cities and villages that chose to accept ARPA funding.  

  • ICMA ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Spending Priorities Survey ICMA surveyed local government chief administrative officers (CAOs) in September 2021 about their priorities for utilizing the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)’s Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (FRF). Nearly 600 town, city, and county managers responded. Responses include local governments with populations ranging from less than 2,500 to over one million; two thirds came from communities of 25,000 or fewer residents, which fall under the U.S. Treasury definition of “Non-entitlement Units” (NEUs, i.e., local governments typically serving a population of under 50,000). Direct FRF recipients include counties and metropolitan citie

Framework

Planning Framework for Maximum Impact and Best Use of Municipal ARPA Funds