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Green Bay council approves $115,000 ARPA bridge funding for Conservation Corps through August
Summary
Council voted to provide $115,000 in ARPA interest funds to keep the Green Bay Conservation Corps operating through August while federal AmeriCorps funding is uncertain; the allocation includes conditions to return funds if federal support is restored.
The Green Bay Common Council approved on May 6 a $115,000 bridge funding allocation from ARPA interest revenue to keep the Green Bay Conservation Corps operating through August after sudden federal AmeriCorps funding cuts. Council members adopted an amendment requiring that the local ARPA funds be discontinued if federal funding is restored.
The funding request, advanced by Alder Presley, was described by staff as covering operations through August and supporting three full-time city staff positions and up to 13 AmeriCorps members. Director Ditscheit told the council the allocation would allow the corps to continue planned projects that include planting, invasive species removal and trail maintenance: staff noted there are thousands of native plants ready to be installed in city projects and that some plant stock is at risk if crews cannot plant this season.
Many current and former Corps members and community volunteers spoke in favor during the public comment period. Former member Ethan Fenlon testified about the program’s community and resilience value and said, "People don't sign up to serve for the paycheck," urging the council to act. Maria, the program leader, told the council the corps' greenhouse stock includes "over 7,000 plants growing" and that the Green Bay Botanical Garden has grown nearly 10,000 plants for the city's pollinator corridor. Supporters described the corps' work as citywide — park restorations, prairie plantings, and volunteer programs in all 68 parks — and pressed for immediate action to avoid losing this season's planting window.
Council debate emphasized leveraging a roughly $1.5 million pool of unallocated ARPA interest funds to prevent an abrupt program shutdown. Alder Johnson successfully offered an amendment that the local ARPA allocation be discontinued should federal funding be restored; council members also discussed pursuing crowdfunding and other local revenue options for longer-term resilience. The amended funding motion passed; the council recorded the ayes prevailing on the amendment and the allocation motion.
