* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Mosby, Councilmembers Costello, Middleton, McCray, Conway, Schleifer,
Stokes
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
American Rescue Plan Quarterly Oversight Hearings
For the purpose of calling for quarterly budget oversight hearings regarding the disbursement and management of $641 million in federal funding to the City of Baltimore through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to improve transparency and accountability for the pivotal task of responding to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
body
Recitals
The COVID-19 global pandemic has had devastating economic consequences - pushing individuals and families further into poverty, hurting local economies, forcing families to make tough decisions regarding their basic needs, and straining the budgets of local governments.
American Rescue Plan (“ARP”) funding can help stabilize local businesses, provide critical investments, and address systemic inequalities. These funds represent a historic opportunity to support the City's efforts in addressing historic inequities and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Therefore, these funds must be spent equitably and prudently to improve the lives of historically neglected communities in Baltimore City and residents most impacted by COVID-19.
It is the duty of the City Council to ensure that the community is aware of what investments federal funds are supporting and how funds are being used to support vulnerable City residents. Through ARP funding, the City has the opportunity to address long-time challenges and disparities that have been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Council must ensure that information is made publicly available regarding how ARP funds are being spent, how many jobs are being created or preserved through the use of the funds, where investments are being made, and how the funds are advancing equity and addressing systemic inequities. Quarterly oversight hearings will help ensure that the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs, agency charged with the City's recovery-plan spending, clearly details the goals of ARP expenditures, allocates funds to projects that alleviate the negative economic impacts of COVID-19, addresses inequities, administers funds in a timely manner, dutifully tracks spending, and provides spending statements to the public.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council calls for quarterly budget oversight hearings regarding the disbursement and management of $641 million in federal funding to the City of Baltimore through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to improve transparency and accountability for the pivotal task of responding to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Chief Recovery officer of the Mayor's Office of Recovery Programs, the Chair of the Community Oversight Taskforce Commissioners, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.