The city of Urbana is considering how to spend its portion of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal dollars.

The city has indicated they want to spend ARPA funds on projects that emphasize:

• Substantial infrastructure
• Public health and safety
• Human rights and social services
• Economic recovery and development
• Adequate and affordable housing.

The Urbana Park District’s Health and Wellness Facility  construction project is being considered and addresses the first four priorities stated by the city. The park district began planning and fundraising for the Health and Wellness Facility prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are at a critical phase in the fundraising and planning part of the project.

As we emerge from the pandemic, Urbana Park District is excited to work together with the city and the entire community to recover, recharge and improve community health. ARPA presents a unique opportunity for the community to forge impactful partnerships and it will take all of Urbana to make it a success.

We invite you to participate in the City of Urbana’s public input process on how to spend ARPA funds. Please fill out the city’s online survey at https://ccrpc.gitlab.io/urbana-arpa/.  Or, attend the Urbana City Council Meeting on April 4 or the public input session April 5, to give your opinion on how the city should use ARPA funding.