Seattle officials have nailed one aspect of overcoming the COVID-19 crisis — spending recovery funds. A report (PDF) from the City Budget Office shows Seattle is a leader in putting American Rescue Plan funding to work.

“According to a Bloomberg analysis of spending reports from across the country, on average as of last September, large cities and counties have spent 29% of their CLFR funds; Seattle has spent 75% of CLFR funds,” the city report notes.

CHS reported here in June 2021 on the planning for a $128.4 million Seattle Rescue Plan package for COVID-19 recovery boosted by the federal funds, including more than $50 million for housing and homelessness, “direct cash assistance,” small biz support, and funding for Stay Healthy Streets.

A second wave of funding included a $10.9 million federal grant to boost the Madison bus rapid transit project and a $7.5M “direct investment” in neighborhood business groups like the Broadway BIA, and Central Area Collaborative.

In the rescue plan report issued this week, city officials say some programs from the period are still being put into motion.

Of the more than $300 million in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds received by the city, more than $100 million went to housing and homelessness programs, according to the report. Included in that is the more than $16 million spent by the city acquiring four affordable housing buildings.

“Implementing Seattle Rescue Plan programs continues and we will continue to gather data and stories about what these funds have done for the people of Seattle,” the report notes.

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