County executive details ARPA investments in small business, housing and broadband at District 4 meeting

Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello on April 30 told the Pierce County Council at an in‑district meeting in University Place that American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds have backed a suite of local economic and housing programs, including a $12.5 million small‑business accelerator and $14 million in broadband expansion.

Mello said the county used ARPA dollars to support entrepreneurs, keep renters housed and expand internet access during and after the pandemic. "ARPA stands for American Rescue Plan Act, and it really was a lifeline during the pandemic," he told the council. "The county invested 12 and a half million dollars to help small businesses get started or grow."

Why it matters: Council members and residents in District 4 heard a summary of county investments aimed at economic recovery and infrastructure that directly affect small businesses, renters and students in the district. Officials said those investments are ongoing and tied to county implementation plans.

Mello provided program details and local impacts. He said the small‑business accelerator emphasized entrepreneurs of color, women and veterans; that 42 percent of accelerator funding supported businesses in Tacoma and 5 percent was directed to University Place; and that the program helped about 450 businesses start or expand. On housing and rental support, Mello said ARPA funds helped roughly "10,000 households make their rental payments to landlords and help stay in their homes." He also said $14,000,000 was invested to expand broadband in areas lacking service.

The executive described the county’s work to develop permanently affordable housing in District 4, noting several projects are occupied. He also mentioned local park and restoration projects, including plans to remove the antiquated Chambers Bay Dam "to allow more fish passage" and to restore the Chambers Bay estuary, work the county said will also improve pedestrian connections between University Place, Silicon and Lakewood.

Council Chair Rosie Ayala invited the executive to take questions; no formal vote or policy change followed the presentation. Mello said he had directed county staff to address permitting speed for wastewater connections and commercial tenant improvements, particularly restaurants that require grease‑trap permitting: "I've directed our team to work as hard as they can to review times for commercial tenant improvements as it relates to wastewater," he said.

What was not decided: The council did not take formal votes on program changes at the meeting, and staff did not present new ordinance language or budget transfers. Several implementation details Mello discussed — such as sequencing and timelines for dam removal and housing projects — were described as ongoing work by county teams rather than finalized plans.

Ending: Mello closed by thanking District 4 leaders and said he was available for questions; the council moved on to other agenda items and community presentations.