November 2, 2023
PROVIDENCE, RI – On Monday, November 6, the City will request the Board of Contract and Supply to approve entering into contract with United Way of Rhode Island to fulfill an expanded scope of work outlined in the COVID-19 Equities Program, an ARPA ordinance drafted by the previous Administration outlining how the city will invest federal dollars to improve local racial equity.
Upon entering office, the Smiley Administration began conducting a line-by-line review of all ARPA ordinances. Through the review, lines were analyzed by their original intent, total funding allocated and whether the benefits of a current program or initiative could be maximized through additional funding. It was determined many of the funding totals were not enough to deliver what was outlined in the ordinance. In an effort to meet the intent of the proposal and increase the impact of the limited dollars, United Way was identified as a partner that has existing programs, established infrastructure, and a focus on equity. The remaining programming and allocated funds in the COVID-19 Equities Program will be administered by the City over the next few years.
“I am incredibly excited to partner with United Way of Rhode Island to advance the many programs included in the COVID-19 Equities Program,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “United Way is a trusted community partner taking meaningful steps to close local equity gaps. Over the coming months and years, we look forward to working with them to ensure each of these programs have the positive impact the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission intended them to have within our community.”
United Way was included as a programming partner in the COVID-19 Equities Program when the ordinance was originally drafted. This new proposal would expand United Way’s scope of work to focus on three main areas: 1) creation of a policy and research center at United Way; 2) developing nonprofit capacity; and, 3) issuing requests for proposals for grant funding. The City would increase United Way’s funding from $1.75 million to $3.35 million to include the following select programs:
- Creation of Policy & Research Center $150,000.00
- Collaborate with Neighborhood Providers Including Barbershops $250,000.00
- Capacity Investments in Community Organizations $500,000.00
- Establish A Fund Dedicated to Urban Renewal Impacts $200,000.00
- Develop Grant Program to Assist Urban Renewal Impacted Neighborhoods $200,000.00
- Invest in District Wide Coordinator for Educational Enrichment $100,000.00
- Advancing Public Education Campaigns $50,000.00
- Creation of K-12 “A Matter of Truth” Curriculum $50,000.00
- K-12 Curriculum Grounded In Rhode Island & New England History $100,000.00
Grants for eligible and qualified nonprofit organizations are intended to help close the racial wealth gap, address the impacts of urban renewal, and advance education-related deliverables.
“We are honored to be chosen by the City of Providence as its partner for this important work, which is in perfect alignment of our mission at United Way and the commitment to building racial equity we bring to our state each and every day,” said Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “As we have done for nearly a century, we understand the great responsibility of administering public funds and being good stewards of those dollars. We look forward to engaging the community to facilitate investments with the potential to create real, positive impacts for families across our capital city.”
Under this contract, United Way would be the fiscal agent and program managers for the above listed programs, offering technical support and opportunities for community engagement. The City would be responsible for ensuring United Way meets contractual obligations and spending is compliant with federal law.
In 2021, the City of Providence received $166 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. Per federal law, these funds must be allocated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026. Of the $166 million, $10 million was allocated to the COVID-19 Equities Program, which was created following the guidance of the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission. To date, $275,000 of the original $10 million has been spent, $1.75 million previously allocated to United Way and an additional $1.6 million is being proposed for reallocation to United Way. The City will directly administer the remaining $6.3 million in the COVID-19 Equities Program. Overall, none of the initiatives outlines in the COVID-19 Equities Program have changed and their respective funding amounts have not changed.
The Board of Contract and Supply agenda is now available online.