Mobile Funding: City Passes People First Plan, County Solicits Feedback

The City of Mobile recently passed the People First Plan, which Mayor Sandy Stimpson has been promoting since June (BBN #46). The plan will be using the $58.2 million the city received from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. “It will direct much-needed funding to affordable housing initiatives; utility, rental and small business assistance; gun violence prevention; social services; and premium pay for city employees who have served throughout the pandemic,” Stimpson said. In thanking citizens and community groups for providing input throughout the consideration process, he called out the South Alabama Economic Roundtable (SAER) for its “dedication to ensuring these funds are spent in ways that best serve the community,” adding, “We look forward to working with SAER and other stakeholders as we determine the best uses of this funding moving forward.” Bonuses of $5,000 and $2,500 to full- and part-time city employees, respectively, will be given to those the city employed during March 2020-March 2021.

The Mobile County Commission is asking for feedback on ways to spend the $80 million it is to receive within a year from the American Rescue Plan Act (BBN #44). It may be used to respond to public health emergencies or their negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses and nonprofits; aid affected industries such as tourism, travel and hospitality; pay public health workers performing essential functions; provide government services curtailed due to a loss of revenue; and make necessary investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. It cannot be used to offset tax cuts or put into pensions. Preliminary expenditure categories are due to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on August 31. Next, funding plans will be developed and approved by the commission. Funds must be obligated by 2024 and spent by 2026.