Item:
Title
Approval of Interlocal Agreement with the City of Durham to Use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to Support Efforts to Improve Digital Equity totaling $750,000.
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: September 23, 2024
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the City of Durham to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the City’s digital equity program. Under ARPA program requirements, Durham County is permitted to utilize ARPA funding to support programs that are aimed at responding to and mitigating the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including programs to provide internet access to qualifying households and individuals, and to promote digital literacy more broadly as part of a community’s response to the economic impacts of the pandemic. Substantial evidence has shown that barriers to accessing and skillfully utilizing digital resources exacerbate economic challenges for affected individuals and households, creating obstacles for these groups to access employment opportunities, educational services, income supports, and health services that are available in their communities. Both the City and County have identified closing this digital divide within the County as a priority strategy to promote economic opportunities for historically underserved and vulnerable communities, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposed Interlocal Agreement would subgrant $750,000 of the County’s total ARPA allocation to the City to support the City’s Digital Inclusion Program. Funding will be utilized by the City to support the development and expansion of the City’s Digital Inclusion team, provide outdoor high-speed internet access at Durham Parks and Recreation sites, develop a distribution program to connect eligible households to internet-enabled devices, improve digital literacy and resilience of seniors in communal living facilities, and to provide workforce exposure and training opportunities for youth in Durham County.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Goal 1, Regional Leadership - Objective 1 (Connect Durham residents to good jobs and economic opportunities); Goal 3, Empowered Community (Offer and encourage access to tools, services, support groups, and educational opportunities for diverse communities).
Resource Persons: Claudia Hager, Deputy County Manager; John Keefer, County Grants Administrator.
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Durham, and to authorize the County Manager to develop and execute all documents required to enter into the Interlocal Agreement and issue a subgrant to the City of Durham.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________