OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – The City of Oshkosh is looking for public input on the proposed use of up to $20.5 million in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act.
The money can be used to address economic impacts for small businesses or other industries, replace lost revenue in the public sector, provide better pay for eligible essential workers, and investing in infrastructure.
“Those are the four general areas, and within those areas there is other flexibility that we’re working with,” said City Manager Mark Rohloff.
Rohloff says the money represents a once-in-a-lifetime type of funding to help address a serious situation as the economy returns from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If we’re going to spend money on something that is literally going to be paid back through generations – our grandkids, great-grandkids are going to be paying this – what priorities should we use?” Rohloff said.
That’s why in-person and online listening sessions are scheduled.
“What we’re trying to do is get input from the public on where they think the priorities should be for ARPA funding…I think it’s important to have that public input so that we look at ourselves and say ‘what do we want the legacy of this funding to be?'” Rohloff told WTAQ News. “[We have] different times of day because people have different work schedules, and we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to give us some input.”
The in-person Listening Sessions will take place at the following days and times in Room 406 (City
Council Chambers) of City Hall at 215 Church Avenue:
Thursday, June 17 at 10:00 a.m.
Monday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 23 at 6:00 p.m.
In addition, the city of Oshkosh will be posting an online survey for community input. The survey is available here.
There is also a citizen feedback form posted on the city’s website.
Additionally, an ARPA funding application form for non-profit, community groups, and neighborhood associations is available here.
For more information about how to provide community input for the use of ARPA funds, contact the City Manager’s office at (920) 236-5002 or citymgr@ci.oshkosh.wi.us.
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