The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a federal program to respond to the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19, contain impacts on communities, residents, and businesses; and lay a foundation for a strong and equitable recovery. The City of Asheville has received $26.2 million as part of this program and is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify projects that will receive this one-time funding.
At their September 14 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to fund projects in the following categories:
- Affordable housing
- Care for aging residents
- City infrastructure
- Climate change
- Community communication
- Domestic violence prevention and assistance
- Food systems
- Homelessness services
- Small business recovery
- Workforce development
Proposals from governmental entities or nonprofit organizations will be accepted; the proposals must also deliver services to Asheville residents.
Following the November 1 deadline, a team will review all proposals and evaluate them based on the following criteria:
- Equitable community impact – 40%
- Project plan and evaluation – 40%
- Organization qualifications – 20%
Click here for an informational flyer
To follow along with the process visit the ARPA Project Page.
For detailed instructions on how to submit proposals and to submit project proposals, visit the City of Asheville bid webpage.
To submit any questions related to the RFP email ARPA-RFP@ashevillenc.gov.
Important dates
- RFP Issued: September 27
- Community Investment meeting: 4 pm October 13
- RFP questions: due 5 pm October 18
- Provide responses to questions: October 20
- Proposals: due by 5 pm November 1