Mayor Walsh Statement on Common Council Approval of ARPA Investment in Neighborhoods

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh’s statement on Common Council approval of $1.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding – $550,000 for neighborhood master planning related to the I-81 project; $800,000 for neighborhood Community Ambassadors; and $311,000 for trash and recycling improvements.

“The Common Council’s approval today of $1.7 million in ARPA funding will strengthen neighborhoods in the City of Syracuse. With pandemic relief, the City will bring on one of the nation’s top urban planners to help us ensure there is a vision and master plan for all of our neighborhoods impacted by the Interstate 81 project. It is our City and we need to shape how the project affects the community. With ARPA funds, we will continue the effective Community Ambassador program to improve the quality and stability of housing and strengthen code enforcement. ARPA resources will also fund a comprehensive plan for implementation of sanitation improvements and guide the introduction of uniform trash and recycling carts and semi-automated collection. The action plan will lead to better services and cleaner neighborhoods. In coordination with the Council, pandemic relief is getting to our neighborhoods and residents.”