Leveraging ARPA: PTRC’s technical assistance  

The Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) continues to offer a range of planning support services to help local governments successfully navigate and leverage federal and state COVID-relief funding. From detailed reporting assistance for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to big-picture strategic planning sessions, PTRC staff are available to help communities make the most of unprecedented funding opportunities. 

While trillions in federal spending creates new funding streams, we recognize it can be difficult to know where to start in assessing grant programs, building projects that communities need and administering those projects once they are launched. PTRC can be a one-on-one resource to local governments at any of these stages. We also view our role as being a trusted touch point for ARPA questions and concerns for which we can provide answers as well as avenues for communication to flow up to state and federal levels. 

Services that have been effective so far for local governments include, but are not limited to: 

• Developing spending plans and budget ordinances involving State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds; 
• Holding grant strategy sessions, planning meetings and conducting research activities involving external funding opportunities; 
• Detailed guidance regarding SAM.gov, U.S. Treasury’s reporting portal, state-level reporting and ARPA timelines; and
• Serving as a liaison to state and federal agencies dealing with ARPA funding. 

To find out more information or to access any of these services, please contact Adam Shull, Regional Planning Assistant Director, at 336-904-0300 or ashull@ptrc.org. 

Also contact Adam Shull or Katrina Meeks (kmeeks@ptrc.org) to receive a monthly ARPA newsletter via email with updated guidance and links to new opportunities.