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San Bernardino council receives ARPA spending update; $77 million allocated, $46 million unspent
Summary
City staff told the council on May 21 the city received about $77 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, has spent roughly $30 million and has $46 million unspent; funds are allocated to 28 projects including library makerspace, revitalization and a navigation center.
City staff on May 21 told the San Bernardino City Council the city received approximately $77 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, has spent about $30 million and carried an unspent balance of roughly $46 million as of the report period. The council received and filed the quarterly ARPA update unanimously.
Interim director Jeanne Fortune and the city’s grants team outlined allocations to 28 projects the council previously approved and said spending is on track to meet federal deadlines through December 31, 2026. Fortune said the city committed all funds to projects by the Treasury’s required date and is pacing expenses to meet the two‑year closeout window.
Project highlights included the Feldheim Library makerspace (construction RFP planned), a revitalization project of just over $12 million, Little Creek Park field improvements (staff said construction is expected to finish in June 2025), a real‑time information center for public safety and expanded street maintenance contracts with established vendors. Staff also said purchase orders were issued to asphalt contractors (Horizons and Hardy & Harper) for resurfacing work.
Council members raised questions about specific line items. Councilmember Yuri Ortiz asked about the motel‑voucher program, which staff reported carried an ARPA allocation of $973,500 but showed low ARPA drawdown for the quarter; staff clarified the motel voucher program draws on multiple sources, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other funds, and that combined spending on vouchers to date approximates $455,000 across all funding sources.
Councilmember Ted Sanchez asked about a mobile shower program managed by Community Action Partnership. Staff said the city allocated $150,000 for a second mobile shower (including laundry services and staffing); Community Action had expended about 80% of its initial budget and the city had recorded approximately $99,000 in ARPA expenditures for the service to date. Staff told the council the intent is to fully expend the mobile‑shower allocation to provide continued mobile hygiene and laundry services for people experiencing homelessness.
Fortune said the city is tracking each project closely and will return with quarterly updates. After questions, the council voted to receive and file the ARPA report; the motion passed unanimously.
