This article originally appeared in the September 24, 2021 edition of This Week in Renton.
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Council approves $3.6 million in ARPA relief funds
On Sept. 20, the city council approved $3.6 million to support economic recovery and fund housing, homeless prevention, and human services programs.
The money comes from the city’s $18.1 million allocation from the federal government as part of the American Recuse Plan Act (ARPA).
The funding includes a $1.0 million contribution to the Washington Flex Fund, which provides small business loans. The Washington State Department of Commerce will do a 2:1 match for all money spent if committed by October 1, 2021. Small businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $150,000 and use it for general business expenses. The loans have low interest rates and no fees. The first year’s payment is interest only.
The council committed $600,000 for small business grants to support retail businesses in the downtown core disproportionately impacted due to COVID-19 and construction delays during the Wells/Williams conversion project.
Housing, homeless, and human services programs will receive $1.5 million. The funds will assist residents with utility bills, rent, or other uses identified through the city’s equity lens.
The council allocated $500,000 to buy additional hardware and software to support remote services provided to residents by city staff.
The city’s Finance Department briefed the council on proposed ARPA funds allocation. If you didn’t see the presentation, we’ve included it for your review.