Boston Council Weighs Final $7 Million ARPA Split Among Housing and Small Business Programs

BOSTON — October 7, 2024 — Boston City Council's COVID-19 Recovery Committee heard testimony on a final $7 million ARPA allocation divided among three programs, with Chair Ruthzee Louijeune pressing for a full council vote before October 31. The proposal splits the money three ways: $3 million to the Acquisition Opportunity Program, which has preserved 991 units across 125 buildings since 2016; $3 million to the Boston Housing Authority's First Home down payment assistance program, which has helped more than 50 BHA households purchase market-rate homes in roughly 18 months after previously reaching only about two families per year; and $1 million to the Space Grant program for small businesses, which has already sent $7.5 million to 61 businesses projected to create at least 600 jobs. Chief Financial Officer Ashley Groffensberger told councillors the city has roughly $119 million in total ARPA funds still to obligate by December 31, down from $145 million just a month ago. Talia White, board president of Rozzy Bound Co-op in Roslindale, testified that her store is among 10 Space Grant finalists who will receive nothing if the council does not act — the city ran out of money before it could fund the final round.