ARPA Transparency

The City of Central Falls is committed to spending transparency of its important incoming federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. 

Mayor Rivera issued an Executive Order on May 9, 2021 creating a Central Falls Advisory Council for ARPA funding, including resident members, to ensure community input was included in decision-making around how to potentially spend these important Rescue dollars. The Advisory Council thoroughly reviewed opportunities for spending and held a public input hearing prior to developing its Final Report for Recommendations on ARPA spending in Central Falls.

The City of Central Falls has been awarded $5,849,009 in ARPA dollars.

As of December 31, 2023, Central Falls has allocated $5,817,800 of its ARPA dollars, including:

• $1,700,000 allocated to support affordable housing in Central Falls, prioritizing and putting new housing units on a path to completion. Projects include the new Washington & Hood homes, 499/511 Broad Street, 542 Broad Street, Broad Street Infrastructure, and a dedicated Affordable Housing Consultant.
• $1,000,000 allocated to acquire and build out El Centro, a new one-stop supportive community center for residents.
• $220,000 allocated to support the work of El Centro, which will help city residents address food and housing security, provide mental and behavioral health support, and assist families impacted by domestic violence. 
• $292,500 allocated for a dedicated El Centro Program Coordinator
• $1,583,144 allocated to key capital expenditures (some amounts include matching funds from USDA grant funding to support key public safety and public works equipment), including: 6 Police vehicles; 45 Police handheld radios, 4 Fire vehicles, 1 Rescue vehicle, 1 DPW vehicle, 1 DPW sewer jet and vacuum, 1 Fire truck, 1 Parks and Recreation pickup truck, 1 Parks and Recreation gator field maintenance vehicle, 1 Public Safety fuel pump, Sacred Heart Tennis Courts, Macomber Field fencing, new City Hall door, Public Safety HVAC system, Public Safety toilets
• $43,750 allocated to support a dedicated Central Falls nonviolence outreach specialist with intimate knowledge of street conflicts, and work closely on intervention strategies that can save lives. Focused on city youth, the goal is to help at-risk youth be redirected toward nonviolence, stability, and a positive path in life.
• $12,000 allocated to support the Summer Jobs Program, a positive work experience program to keep youth engaged, supported and safe through the summer months
• $169,000 allocated to support a newly created Coordinator of Workforce Development and Small Business Assistance position. This new bilingual position allows the city to better help its businesses thrive – like connecting them with state and federal resources and access to talent – and supporting residents by hosting new job fairs, improving access to high wage job opportunities, and boosting workforce advancement opportunities.
• $75,000 allocated to support the work of the city’s new Office of Education Strategy
• $100,000 allocated for a dedicated Comprehensive Plan Consultant
• $51,000 allocated toward public safety retention bonus
• $20,000 allocated for one-time COVID-related payroll payment (non-public safety)
• $100,000 allocated for city IT equipment and infrastructure
• $215,000 allocated for High Street recreation fields (Narragansett Bay Commission match) and park improvements
• $200,000 allocated for sewer and sidewalk repairs
• $36,406 allocated for city redistricting costs

Additional Input and Suggestions

Residents with additional ideas, suggestions, and input around this important ARPA spending in Central Falls are encouraged to email mayorsoffice@centralfallsri.us with the subject line, "ARPA."

Please check back for continued updates on ARPA spending in the City of Central Falls.