Administrator Recommends Plan for County's $158.8 million in Federal Stimulus Funds

Hamilton County Administrator Jeff Aluotto is unveiling the Administration's recommended guidance for the use of the County's allocation of $158 million from the American Rescue Plan. The recommended "concept" proposal (read the full plan here)  and summary budget (read the summary here) will receive both public involvement and Commissioner input and approval.

The public is urged to weigh in during two public hearings held via zoom on Tuesday, May 25 at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, May 27 at 1:00 p.m. Please click here for more information on how to join the public hearings. 

The recommended plan focuses on four areas: strengthening public health systems, stabilizing County finances and operations, addressing negative economic impacts for households and businesses, and enhancing our community's infrastructure.

Half of the American Rescue Plan dollars were received by the County Tuesday night. The rest of the funding is expected to be deposited next year and is expected to be obligated by December 31, 2024. A few areas recommended for funding include:

Housing

The Administration is recommending setting aside $40 million to strengthen housing in Hamilton County. Of that, the proposal includes $20 million focused on producing new multi-family and single-family affordable housing. $5 million is being recommended for mortgage assistance.

Gun Range

The Administration is recommending $5 million to assist in the relocation of Cincinnati Police Department Gun Range. Hamilton County Commissioners are partnering with the City of Cincinnati to relocate the CPD gun range given its impacts on communities such as Lincoln Heights.

Small Businesses

The proposed plan includes a third round of small business assistance grants and funding for navigators to help business access other funding options and support to grow their business. Small business owners can sign up for email alerts on 513Relief.org.

Broadband

The American Rescue Plan allows local governments to use funding for infrastructure projects including broadband. The administration is recommending $10 million towards high-quality broadband for communities following a needs assessment and close work with the federal and state governments to avoid duplication.