Chicago City Wire

Chicago – The Chicago recovery efforts, under the leadership of Mayor Brandon Johnson and his administration, are yielding significant progress according to the latest 2024 Road to Recovery Plan Performance Report. This report outlines the transformative use of $1.887 billion in federal funds aimed at uplifting the city’s most vulnerable communities.

“Our commitment to the people of Chicago is unwavering. By leveraging these federal funds strategically, we aim to build a stronger, more equitable City, and I am proud of all the progress we have made,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “This collaborative and comprehensive report reinforces that every investment we make is a step towards rectifying past disinvestments and ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive.”

Mayor Johnson released the detailed document highlighting progress achieved during the first full year of his administration’s oversight of the city's strategic use of $1.887 billion in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The plan focuses on investments across six Policy Pillars designed to ensure a comprehensive and equitable approach to recovery efforts.

The report demonstrates significant progress in deploying COVID-19 relief dollars. In April 2024, the administration launched the Road to Recovery Plan, which ensures ARPA funds are spent directly in Chicago’s communities. Per July reporting to the U.S. Department of Treasury, 90 percent of its $1.887 billion SLFRF grant has been obligated, with 83 percent expended. Of $576 million allocated to community initiatives, there has been a 29 percent increase in total obligations and a 24 percent increase in total expenditures since July 2023.

“Through the ARPA Road to Recovery Plan, we are ensuring that every dollar is used to maximize community impact," Budget Director Annette Guzman said. "This one-time funding is a unique opportunity to address long-standing issues and create sustainable change."

Key highlights from the full report include:

- **Youth & Economy**: The City prioritizes youth-centered programs for social and economic mobility through initiatives like the Chicago Empowerment Fund ($64 million) and Youth Opportunity Programs ($66 million).

- **Community Safety**: A $23 million investment focuses on violence interruption through Community Violence Intervention programs.

- **Mental Health & Wellness**: A $20 million Mental Health Equity Initiative expands trauma-informed services with three mental health clinics reopening on Chicago's West, Southwest, and South sides.

- **Housing & Homelessness Supports**: Programs like Rapid Rehousing ($32 million) support housing stability aligning with broader goals of equitable development.

- **Human Rights, Arts & Culture**: Investments such as an $11 million Artist Relief and Works Fund target individual artists and cultural organizations.

- **Effective Governance**: Emphasizing transparency, monthly City Council reports and a public-facing dashboard will launch in fall 2024.

“The City of Chicago's strategic use of SLFRF dollars is a testament to our commitment to equitable recovery,” Chief Operating Officer John Roberson said. “Our approach involves comprehensive evaluations ensuring long-term sustainability.”

For more information on the 2024 ARPA Recovery Plan Performance Report visit https://bit.ly/3Sv9p4h.