Guide to Local Recovery Update: July 28

Cal Cities, along with 400 city officials and other organizations, signed a letter about the need for federal infrastructure funding.

Written by the National League of Cities (NLC), the letter urged Congressional leadership to pass a comprehensive infrastructure package and outlined the top priorities of local governments. City officials are encouraged to sign a similar letter to their congressional delegation. Cal Cities also released an updated version of its American Rescue Plan Act revenue loss calculators, which includes minor changes based on member feedback. Additional resources, such as NLC’s list of FAQs from city officials about the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, are available as well.

Federal Advocacy: Infrastructure

Cal Cities, along with 400 other city officials and organizations, signed a letter about the need for federal infrastructure funding. Written by the National League of Cities (NLC), the letter urged Congressional leadership to pass a comprehensive infrastructure package and outlined the top priorities of local governments, including the need to eliminate inefficient bureaucracy and local investment. City officials are encouraged to sign a similar letter — also by NLC — asking their Congressional delegation to pass a comprehensive infrastructure package.

Most Asked Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Questions

The National League of Cities released a list of FAQs from city officials about the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The update includes information about municipal allocations by state, appropriate fund use, and provides further clarification and guidance for fund recipients.

American Rescue Plan Act Calculator (ARPA): Version 3

Cal Cities made changes to its revenue loss calculation tool based on member feedback. Designed by a team of finance professionals and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO), the tool helps cities determine their ARPA allocation spends. The tool incorporates the latest Treasury Department’s Guidance and its applicability to local government finance in California as understood by our team of finance professionals. Two versions of the calculator have been prepared to support cities’ choice to use fund basis (modified accrual) or government-wide (full accrual) financial records. 

• Revenue Loss Calculator (Government-wide – Full Accrual)
• Revenue Loss Calculator (Fund Basis – Modified Accrual)

   

Webinar – COVID-19 Pandemic Response Costs: Grants Portal Submittal for Reimbursement

On Monday, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services hosted an informational webinar for cities on FEMA’S COVID-19 Public Assistance Program. The webinar, COVID-19 Pandemic Response Costs: Grants Portal Submittal for Reimbursement, explained the process of submitting reimbursement requests into FEMA’s Grant Portal System. 

Webinar – American Rescue Plan Programs 

The California Association for Local Economic Development will host an informative webinar, “Hear it from the Source”, on Tuesday, August 3. The webinar will review how the Economic Development Administration plans to invest the $3 billion it received from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. Register now.