The 2024 ARPA Recovery Plan Performance Report highlights advancements made in program design and implementation to tackle economic challenges, expand affordable housing options, improve mental health services, and strengthen social resilience within Boulder County.

Boulder County, Colo. -- The new ARPA Recovery Plan Performance Report posted on the ARPA website highlights the ongoing positive impact of federal ARPA funds on Boulder County communities. The report details progress in addressing key community concerns—economic challenges, affordable housing, and mental health—as identified by residents following the COVID-19 pandemic. It also outlines programs implemented to stabilize the community's recovery.

In the wake of the public health crisis, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law three years ago. The U.S. Department of the Treasury allocated $63,359,749 to Boulder County to build an equitable recovery from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2024 ARPA Recovery Plan Performance Report from Boulder County highlights how these investments support the most vulnerable community members, shares community engagement stories, and outlines program funding.

“We are proud to announce that ARPA continues to deliver tangible results from affordable housing and child care to addressing unmet mental health needs,” said Commissioner Claire Levy. “We faced an unprecedented crisis, but funding from ARPA empowered our local leaders and residents to participate in the co-creation of programs to provide sustainable solutions to those challenges voiced by our Boulder County residents.”

“Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, Boulder County designed inclusive solutions to expand services and help families struggling financially due to COVID-19. Boulder County has awarded and allocated its full $63,359,749 in federal ARPA SLFRF funding received from Treasury and 96% of all Phase 2 recovery projects are either active or are preparing for launch in August 2024,” said Commissioner Marta Loachamin. “The report also emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to ensure this recovery reaches all corners of the county.”

Boulder County ARPA-Funded Programs: Delivering Results

The American Rescue Plan continues to improve the lives of Boulder County families by:

• Helping families with young children: Nurturing Futures is a direct cash assistance program designed to help families with young kids. The program will provide 725 low-income families with $300 each month to use however they choose for two years to address economic insecurity. Boulder County residents can visit the Nurturing Futures website to get detailed information on application deadlines and requirements.
• Providing affordable housing options: Boulder County is supporting affordable housing development projects to quickly increase the inventory of permanently affordable housing units available in Boulder County. Willoughby Corner is Boulder County Housing Authority’s (BCHA) newest development of 400 below-market-rate rental and permanently affordable for-sale homes.
• Supporting child care: ARPA funds supported the renovation of the YMCA Boulder Mapleton site to expand child care services to accommodate essential workers from industries such as law enforcement, hotels, hospitals, etc. The eventual goal is to provide three child care shifts to serve families 24 hours a day. Boulder County ARPA funds also support the Longmont Child Care Hub project which aims to serve historically underserved or marginalized families in Boulder County.
• Fueling economic growth and improve financial stability: Support nonprofit organizations and child care providers for meaningful short- and long-term investments that will stabilize their business conditions, workforce, and operations.
• Offering new, free mental health programs: WellMind Connection and the Crisis Assistance and Treatment (CAT) Teams, with services available in English and Spanish, connect Boulder County residents with the right mental health and behavioral health resources. These and other programs are part of the solutions to expand crisis support services, develop culturally responsive treatment programs, and foster collaboration with healthcare providers and community organizations. For more information and access to resources visit the recently launched WellMind Connection website.

To learn more about the 2024 Annual ARPA Recovery Plan Performance Report visit the ARPA website, and for updates on ARPA projects subscribe to the ARPA Newsletter.

• Contact the Board of County Commissioners

• View Commissioners' Meeting Documents and Records

• Visit the County Commissioners' webpage