Mayor Walsh Advances American Rescue Plan Investments to Common Council for Youth Programs, Business Recovery, Sidewalks, Downtown Parking and Parks Improvements

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh moved eight proposed investments using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) relief to the Syracuse Common Council for consideration at its July 12 meeting. The Mayor advanced initiatives for youth programs, business recovery, sidewalks, downtown parking, and parks improvements.

“American Rescue Plan relief is intended to benefit the people of Syracuse, so we are moving multiple key programs forward as quickly as possible,” said Mayor Walsh. “Our young people and businesses need our help. We are also acting now to improve city facilities in ways that help residents and businesses. I appreciate the Council’s due diligence and review of these investments.”

At its regular study session today, Councilors will consider the following items:

• Syracuse Economic Development Corporation to support small business access to operating capital and a Community Development impact fund to be administered as a revolving loan fund to support development projects, job creation and generating additional economic activity – $6 million
• Summer Youth Fellows Program to support stipends for 2,000 youth ages ten and up to participate in enrichment programs between 2021 and 2023 – $1,325,420
• Syracuse Police Athletic Activities League for the purchase of two passenger vans, programs, marketing and community events for implementation of youth league activities – $300,000
• Municipal Sidewalk Maintenance program for implementation under which the City will assume responsibility for the repair and replacement of city sidewalks – $4,500,000
• Public Parking Structures to be used for the purchase and installation of revenue control equipment and video security systems at city-owned parking garages – $677,000
• Meachem Park to purchase and construct a pavilion on the Onondaga Creekwalk as part of the Seneca Turnpike Onondaga Creek Access Project – $55,000
• Pass Arboretum to replace the fence that surrounds the park – $175,000
• Burnet Park Pool to repair and restore the pool and water feature at Burnet Park – $800,000

Mayor Walsh released the administration’s multi-year strategy for ARPA relief spending on June 11. The plan outlines $123 million of investments in children, families and neighborhoods; infrastructure; jobs and the economy; and making city government more resilient and responsive.