The Mecklenburg County Strategic Recovery Plan and Application Process

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

The 2021 American Rescue Plan Act provided $215.6 million to Mecklenburg County to help manage the public health challenges and negative economic impacts from COVID-19. To manage the substantial infusion of resources, County staff developed the Mecklenburg County Strategic Recovery Plan and Application Process. The opportunity was to ensure the one-time funding would be used to make strategic investments in the County's future and equitably deliver resources and services to residents. The Mecklenburg County Strategic Recovery Plan outlines five priority areas, nine goals, and multiple strategies to guide the use of funds and ultimately move from vision to equitable outcomes. The Funding Proposal Application Process offers opportunities for both County departments and non-governmental organizations to apply for funding. While the application itself asks applicants to respond only to 12 questions, the process is robust, incorporating public information sessions, eligibility guidance, an online application platform and information hub, multiple review committees, and a scoring rubric that values equity considerations and proposed project plans, results, and budgets.