Public Engagement

Click here to take a survey on County needs that qualify for ARPA funding

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, has provided just over $57 million to Cumberland County to “help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery.” The County is using a community-driven, data-informed process to ensure the effective, efficient, and equitable distribution of this federal funding. 

Cumberland County has launched a second public participatory process to receive input on the allocation of remaining American Rescue Plan funds. This will include a sequence of participatory activities to engage stakeholders within the County on American Rescue Plan funding. Survey #2 has been released (see link below). Additional steps in the participatory process include Cumberland County’s public comment portal via our website, Data Collection from CDBG, HOME ARPA & Public Health Outreach events, and continued meetings with issue specialists and the State of Maine. 

 The public process to allocate the second round of funds is now underway. Please see our public survey below.

SECOND TRANCHE FUNDING TIMELINE (Subject to Change) 

• August – September 2022: Public participatory process to take place.
• September- October 2022: Regional needs report presented to County Commissioners. Discussions will be held regarding the path Commissioners would like to take regarding regional plans and immediate/emergency needs. At this time Commissioners will instruct County staff on how to move forward with short and medium-term regional plans. 
• November -December 2022: Goals for Tranche 2 will be drafted and outlined on Cumberland County’s Website. 
• TBD: Launch Action Plan for Tranche 2

Public Comment Window: Open Now

Residents and interested parties can submit written comment through an online survey. This portal will remain open throughout the period that American Rescue Plan funds are available in Cumberland County.

Submit Public Comment here.

• Cumberland County is seeking Public Comment - July 11, 2022
  • The Cumberland County Commissioners will hold two public hearings to consider its Final round of competitive applications for the Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). Hearings are open to the public and will take place on June 11th and July 13th. A final vote by the Commissioners endorsing the 2022 Action Plan for the final round of Competitive ARPA grants is scheduled for the July 13, 2022 meeting. 

        Click here to take a survey on County needs that qualify for ARPA funding

Events

• Public Forum - June 23, 2021, 7 p.m.
  • Cumberland County held an online public forum on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. To view the public forum: https://cumberlandcounty.org/live
• Public Workshop - August 9, 2021, 5:30 p.m.
  • Cumberland County held a workshop in the Peter Feeney Conference Room to discuss the American Rescue Plan - Performance Plan on Monday, August 9, 2021. The public was welcome to attend the event however they were not allowed to participate. To view the agenda: Workshop Agenda.

Agendas of Commissioner Meetings where ARPA was discussed

• June 3, 2021
• August 9, 2021
• August 23, 2021

Other Resources

• Maine Municipal Survey
  • Click here to view a recent survey conducted by the Maine Municipal Association among towns and cities in Maine, identifying critical needs.