The city of Harrisonburg is surveying residents to prioritize projects that could be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. It’s the second phase in the process. Randi B. Hagi reports.
In March, the city began hosting large community conversations, small input sessions with local organizations, and an initial survey to gather ideas for how to spend the $23.8 million in federal funds Harrisonburg has been awarded from the American Rescue Plan Act.
MICHAEL PARKS: We've had more than 2,000 people take part in this process.
Michael Parks is the city's director of communications.
PARKS: We've been given a lot of great feedback on how our community, first, has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic and how that's impacted them, but also just about their needs in general that they experience here in Harrisonburg.
In a new survey, those responses have been grouped into eight broad categories, from improving community mental and physical health to supporting our workers and working families. Those who live, work, volunteer, or run a business or nonprofit in the city can get on the survey and –
PARKS: Rank those need areas by what you feel are the most critical issues for the city to address moving forward.
Then, within your top two category choices, you'll be able to rank several more specific funding priorities. The survey is online at harrisonburgva.gov/ARPA.
PARKS: This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we have here in the city to use these federal funds to accomplish things that make life better for the residents, business owners, and visitors to the Friendly City.
He said the city council should receive a preliminary report on the outcomes of the engagement process later this month. For WMRA News, I'm Randi B. Hagi.
