Please be aware that the collection of project submittals will close at midnight on October 17, 2022. The City is working to consolidate project applications and leverage other state and federal resources to maximize Lynn’s ARPA funding, however, this will be the final opportunity to apply for this one-time revenue resource. It is important to note that funds may not be placed in reserves, or used to pay settlements or other judgments, nor may funds be used to pay debts or fees related to issuing debt.  

Introduction: 

In May of 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to provide emergency funding for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. The City of Lynn will receive $75,134,915 through this legislation. These funds may be used within the City of Lynn to: 

• Support public health expenditures 
• Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency 
• Replace lost public sector revenue and fund general government expenses and projects 
• Provide assistance to members of the community that were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic 
• Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure

The City of Lynn seeks proposals from local community-based organizations, non-profits, and businesses that meet the objectives of the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, and are aligned with the City of Lynn’s spending and strategic priorities. The proposed project must be obligated/contracted by December 31, 2024 and all project funds must be spent by December 31, 2026. 

Eligibility: 

In order for projects to be considered eligible for ARPA funding, they must meet the categories detailed above which have been specified by the U.S. Treasury Department. Additional details on the subcategories allowed under the US Treasury’s guidance is also included in Attachment A (PDF). 

Proposals will be deemed ineligible for ARPA funding if they involve the following uses that are prohibited in the legislation:  

• Deposits into pension funds 
• Payment of legal settlements or judgements 
• Matching funds for other Federal Grants 
• Payment of Debt 
• Deposits into Financial reserves, stabilization or rainy-day funds 

Application Procedures: 

Proposals should include a COMPLETED ARPA PROJECT REQUEST FORM FOR NON-PROFITS/OUTSIDE AGENCIES, as well as the following: 

• Organizational Chart that describes the agency’s administrative framework and staff positions. 
• List of Current Board of Directors or Other Governing Body of the Agency including; name, telephone number, address, occupation or affiliation of each member and identify the officers of the governing body 
• Authorized Official Certification: A recently signed letter by the Board of Directors identifying an agency representative who is authorized to negotiate for, and contractually bind, the agency 
• A copy of the agency’s most recent independent Auditor’s Report and Management Letter 
• Copy of the agency’s Non-Discrimination Policy 

Evaluation/Selection Process: 

The City of Lynn will evaluate and select projects for funding through a multi-step process that will include public input and complete transparency. Proposed projects will be evaluated using the following criteria: 

• Project eligibility under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 
• Clear and well-defined project description and budget  
• Project cost 
• Project sustainability (e.g., one-time v. recurring cost) 
• Ability for the project to be completed within the ARPA timeline requirements 
• Identification of social return on investment (SROI) or cost-benefit 
• Identification of outcomes for residents disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., communities of color, people with disabilities, low-to-moderate income residents or elders)