A Message from Mayor Tom Barrett

Dear Fellow Milwaukeeans,

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as “the federal stimulus,” is an unprecedented opportunity for the City of Milwaukee. This new law has injected millions and, in some cases, billions of dollars into existing federal programs to jump start our economy and create and save jobs. ARRA requires that these extra funds be spent quickly, in order to generate economic activity.

A portion of the spending authorized by ARRA is passed along to State and local governments. This web site explains how City of Milwaukee government is working to access and spend ARRA funding. As this process moves forward, I will work to ensure that the money be spent wisely and transparently on job creation in order to put Milwaukeeans to work as quickly as possible.

This site will be updated to provide more details about how funds are being spent by City government as stimulus funds are awarded and spending plans are developed and implemented.To stay abreast of ARRA developments at the state and federal levels, I encourage you to visit:

• U. S. Government
• State of Wisconsin

I hope your visit to the website is informative and enjoyable.

Sincerely,

How does Milwaukee City government get a piece of the stimulus?

City government will obtain ARRA funds in two ways, through formula allocations, and through applications for competitive grants.

By Formula: Certain funds in ARRA are allocated by a formula to states and localities - usually set in law. Formula funds flow directly to the City of Milwaukee. Examples include: Community Development Block Grants, Workforce Investment Act Grants and so on. ARRA increases the amount of money available to Milwaukee for these programs, and provides one new formula allocation for Energy Block Grants for energy efficiency initiatives. Learn more...

By Competition: Certain funds in ARRA are allocated through competitive solicitations. Federal agencies are distributing requests for proposals and will convene panels to evaluate applications. Examples of agencies and programs that will hold such competitions include: the Department of Justice, Department of Energy, U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and so on. Inevitably there will be more applications for money than funds available, so while Milwaukee will apply for many competitive grants, it’s impossible to predict how much money we will receive. Learn more...

What is Milwaukee City government doing to make sure it pursues all possible stimulus funds?

Mayor Tom Barrett has formed a Stimulus Action Team consisting of representatives from key City departments and led by the Department of Administration. The team has been tasked with identifying funding available for the City of Milwaukee in ARRA and seizing potential opportunities.

In addition, the Milwaukee Common Council has formed an Economic Stimulus Task Force, consisting of Common Council members and key department heads. The Task Force will address legal, policy and administrative issues that may require changes in City ordinances to ensure quick action of stimulus projects and funds. The Common Council has also approved a resolution granting City Departments the authority to immediately apply for stimulus funds as soon as they become available.

How will Milwaukee City government implement the required accountability measures for stimulus funds?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) establishes that the public be informed of how their money is used for economic recovery. Under the guidelines in the law, the City will:

• Report on the use of recovery funds in Milwaukee for every program and project.
• Ensure that funds are used appropriately as defined by law.
• Provide the number of jobs that were created or saved by funds.

The Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board established in ARRA will oversee ARRA spending to prevent fraud, waste and abuse. While the Mayor’s Stimulus Action Team continues to aggressively pursue funding opportunities for the City of Milwaukee in ARRA, the Economic Stimulus Task Force chaired by Common Council President Willie Hines Jr. will develop and implement policies and procedures in accordance with the Board’s accountability guidelines.

• Review meetings notices and agendas

The Federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidelines to federal agencies administering ARRA dollars.

• Implementing Guidance for the Reports on Use of Funds Pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
  June 22, 2009
• Press Release: Streamlined Approach Ready for Recovery Funding Information
   June 22, 2009
• Fact Sheet - Recovery Act Funding and Jobs Reporting Guidance

Through this page, the City will continue to connect the public with the most up-to-date reporting, transparency and accountability information to ensure that residents know how stimulus funds are used and that funds are used appropriately. Please check regularly to see the latest updates.