On January 23, Greenbelt City Council heard Interim Assistant City Manager Debi Sandlin present American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) project updates. Higher Education Support Scholarships, Greenbelt First-time Homebuyers Assistance, Rental and Utility Assistance, Mortgage and Homeowner Assistance, Business Improvement Fund and Healthcare Vouchers with CCI Health Services are among the ARPA projects that are already launched.
ARPA projects in the works include Childcare Vouchers, GHI Mortgage Assistance and Old Greenbelt Family Health which is a healthcare voucher program similar to the CCI program.
Tree Canopy
Tree Canopy grants will be opening in February. Greenbelt homeowners, homeowner associations and apartment complexes will be eligible to apply. The purpose of the grant is to assist homeowners and community organizations with planting new trees or replacing trees damaged by storms, disease or invasive insects. The program will also increase the density and resiliency of the city’s tree canopy. A grant of up to $750 per homeowner and up to $7,000 per HOA or apartment complex can be awarded.
Councilmember Judith Davis asked Sandlin if religious organizations that own tracts of land would be eligible and Sandlin said she would look into the funding of churches. Councilmember Rodney Roberts considered the grant to be a waste of money as it maintains trees on non-city property. Council approved the Tree Canopy program with 6 ayes and 1 nay (Roberts).
Nonprofit Grants
This program will be opening in February and will include nonprofits with a 501c(3) or 501c(19) designation (per U.S. Treasury guidelines). Grants are up to $25,000. Mayor Emmett Jordan mentioned that of the 239 registered nonprofits in Greenbelt, approximately 50 are actively involved in serving Greenbelt residents. The recipients of the grants have to be able to sustain themselves beyond the grant, according to Sandlin. Councilmember Kristen Weaver asked about the requirement that a nonprofit have an operating budget of $25,000 and whether that operating budget included in-kind donations. Sandlin replied that the operating budget would include donations or in-kind contributions. Staff recommends allocating $250,000 of the $1.5 million approved by council for these grants to be rolled out in mid-February. Council approved these nonprofit grants unanimously.
Business Recovery
Round three of the Business Recovery grants supports capacity improvement and operational improvements for small businesses. As part of business recovery from the pandemic, the Small Business Capital Improvement supports physical improvements to small businesses.
The ARPA website at engagegreenbelt.org has been updated to reflect all ARPA projects.