Welcome
This public information page was created to provide background information and updates on the
Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Strategic Plan (PDF).
CARES Act and COVID Relief Fund
The U.S. Federal Government signed into law the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act aimed at providing relief to individuals, businesses, and government organizations hit hard by the effects of COVID-19. Established through the CARES Act, the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) provides payments to Local, State, and Tribal governments navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. The City of Phoenix received $293 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The CARES Act provides that payments from the CRF may only be used to cover costs that:
are expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency;
were not accounted for in the current budget;
were incurred between March 1, 2020, and Dec. 30, 2020.
Per
federal guidance, funds may not be used for city revenue
replacement. However, per the guidance and FAQs authored by the United
States Treasury and the State of Arizona it is clear that we can charge
existing public safety payroll costs to the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The
guidance states "...for this reason and as a matter of administrative
convenience in light of the emergency nature of this program, a State,
territorial, or Tribal government may presume that payroll costs for public
safety employees are payments for services substantially dedicated to
mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency...".
On May 5, 2020, the Phoenix City Council approved the strategic plan that allocates $150 million of $293 million in available Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding received by the city of Phoenix. On July 1, 2020, City Council approved using the $143 million CRF Reserve to offset Public Safety salaries in order to preserve important community programs in other areas. On Oct. 13, 2020, the City Council approved reprogramming $15 million in CRF funds to address additional community needs. On Nov. 4, 2020, the City Council approved an additional $444,000 for community needs. On Dec. 8 City Council made final adjustements to CRF funds. Finally, on Dec. 17 City Council allocated the final uncommitteed $8.9 million in funds to additional Community Investment programs.
Also on this page, you can watch videos from City Council Policy Meetings or find information about
Help Available. You can also review Downloads and Resources.
