In an effort to assist individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and state and local governments in dealing with the public health and economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress approved the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) in March. ARPA provides federal stimulus funds intended to address the ongoing economic recovery following substantial financial losses suffered during the pandemic.

The bill included $130 billion in federal stimulus funds for local governments, which was divided up evenly between counties and local government agencies, and funding was provided to cities based on their 2019 population size. Martinez expects to receive $9 million in stimulus funds from ARPA.

The Martinez City Council met in September 2021 to begin conversations about how to best use these funds to facilitate recovery for the City, local businesses and community at large. Since this time, feedback about spending priorities has been sought from (1) the Parks, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission, (2) the Planning Commission, and the (3) Anti-Racism & Discrimination and Pro-Inclusion & Equity (ARDPIE) Task Force. 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued rules about how these funds can be spent, which was shared with the City Council, Commissions and Task Force to aid their conversation.

After engaging with the community and City Commissions and Task Forces, the City Council adopted a Spending Priorities Plan on September 14, 2022 setting in place four categories to guide all future ARPA allocations. 

1. Public Health and Safety Programs and Projects
2. Community Benefit Programs and Projects
3. Parks and Recreational Infrastructure Repairs, Replacements, and Enhancements
4. Beautification and Preservation Project