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ULCT reports ARPA compliance push saved Utah more than $36 million from federal recoupment
Summary
ULCT staff and Local Administrative Advisers helped municipalities file delayed ARPA reports, cutting the at‑risk amount from $36 million to roughly $54,000 outstanding and expecting nearly full compliance by the end of the week.
ULCT staff told the board that coordinated outreach and technical assistance to local governments significantly reduced federal recoupment risk tied to American Rescue Plan Act reporting.
McKenna Marchant, a ULCT staff member working with Local Administrative Advisers (LAAs), briefed the board: two months ago, about $36 million in ARPA funds across 68 Utah municipalities was at risk of being clawed back because those localities had not filed required 2025 reports. Through a joint effort with the governor’s Office of Planning and Budget and ULCT LAAs, nearly all communities have filed required reports. As of the latest update, three communities remained outstanding with about $54,000 at risk; two of those were being assisted directly and expected to submit reports this week, while one community indicated it intends to return $13,000 to the federal government.
Why it matters: Federal recoupment would have removed millions from local budgets. Board members and staff cited the episode as an example of where technical assistance and on‑the‑ground help from LAAs, backed by state coordination, preserved federal funding for local governments.
Supporting details: Molly, a ULCT staffer who coordinates outreach and technical assistance activity, and Cam, the executive director, credited a state $2.5 million investment in the program and the LAA network for helping municipalities comply. The board heard that one LAA personally assisted two remaining communities by walking them through the submission process and clicking the submit button.
Decision and next steps: Staff will continue monitoring final submissions and report back when the remaining two communities file. Board members said the ARPA example illustrates the potential value — and resource requirement — for expanding technical assistance work in other policy areas.
Context: Board members referenced this compliance push during a larger discussion about the ULCT’s role in delivering technical assistance to small or transitioning communities.
