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After a year of fighting for fiscal relief amidst budget shortfalls and federal austerity during the previous administration, Congress passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) earlier this year. Now, this infusion of public money to local governments that are closest to the low-wage workers and communities of color who’ve lost the most in this unequal pandemic is sorely needed, and a crucial step forward. But equity has never been achieved without a fight or a plan, and the lessons from past recovery efforts are clear: absent a race-conscious approach and sharp focus on delivering measurable benefits to those most impacted, recovery efforts will leave frontline communities and communities of color behind and further entrench racial inequities.

We cannot let this happen: this initial allocation of ARP funds should be used to make a downpayment on an equitable recovery and redesign our communities to work for all.

Developed in partnership with community leaders, chief equity officers, policymakers, economic development practitioners, research and policy organizations, and philanthropic partners, 10 Priorities for Advancing Racial Equity Through the American Rescue Plan: A Guide for City and County Policymakers

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suggests municipal strategies for deploying ARP funds equitably, efficiently, and strategically. Additionally, the guide lays out a framework for equitable decision-making around ARP spending and investments with prompts that local leaders can use to not only ask hard questions around racial equity, but also seek to address them.

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Equity is the path to a strong recovery and future for cities, counties, and regions. We hope this guide assists mayors, city councilmembers, county supervisors, and other local leaders center equity in their recovery plans.



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