Coulter reconvenes task force to understand how to spend $244 million
A group of business and community leaders will advise Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and his team on how to best leverage $244 million in federal funding coming the county’s way.
The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan was signed by President Joe Biden last month, which includes billions in COVID-19 assistance for state, county, and local governments. The county is expecting to receive around $244 million in direct funding from the American Rescue Plan.
Coulter’s plan is to develop an intentional and targeted strategy in order for these new federal dollars to make the biggest short-term and long-term impact. To help in those efforts, he has reconvened and expanded the 31-member 2021 COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force.
The group of business and community leaders will provide insight to county officials on the greatest community needs and advise them on how to best utilize the new funding. Individuals representing the education, foundation, local government, construction, restaurant, labor, health care and business communities will be on the task force.
“Our first priority for this funding from the American Rescue Plan has to be continuing our fight against the coronavirus pandemic and
ensuring economic recoveries,” said Coulter. “But we also will have the opportunity to take on some transformational projects that will help improve the lives of our residents and businesses. This group of advisors can provide invaluable insight into the needs in the community.”
The task force will meet for the first time on Monday, with Coulter asking each member to share their thoughts, experiences, and expertise on where the county is in its recovery from the pandemic and what needs to be accomplished in the coming months to ensure a full recovery.
During the meeting, the task force will review current economic and community data, American Rescue Plan funds, and discuss indicators for the county’s future.
“Last year, we were dealing with the daily demands of an unprecedented public health crisis,” said Coulter. “But now, we can be more strategic and intentional with the federal funding and I look forward to working with these and other community leaders to help crystalize our short, medium and long term plans.”
Last spring, the county received $219 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. The county utilized this funding to award grants to more than 15,000 local businesses; 22 local chambers of commerce; 57 cities, villages, and townships, 278 non-profit and 31 veterans’ services organizations; 28 local school districts as well as retailers, restaurants, cultural institutions, and community centers.