Stonecrest Forward

The City of Stonecrest is proud to present the first Citizens Academy!

Stonecrest residents and business owners are invited to take a closer look “behind the seal” into the inner workings of the City of Stonecrest. For additional information visit Stonecrest Citizens Academy.

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), the City of Stonecrest received $9.7M in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). The goal of these funds is to provide vital support to state and local governments as they address the negative health and economic impacts of COVID-19 on their communities. Based on the results of a communitywide survey, the Stonecrest City Council approved the allocation of $25,000 in ARPA funds for the establishment and support of a new Citizens Academy.

Stonecrest's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Program

The ARPA small business and residential assistance support programs application acceptance period is now closed.

Discover how Stonecrest is investing $9.7 million in federal stimulus funds to address the negative impacts of the pandemic in our community in a transparent, unbiased and efficient way.

Together, we are moving #STONECRESTFORWARD.

Community Engagement

This past summer, the City of Stonecrest invited residents, community organizations, business owners and area stakeholders to participate in an online survey to assist officials in determining the best use of funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The Act was signed into law on March 11, 2021. It is the sixth COVID-19 relief bill enacted and provides approximately $1.9 trillion in assistance. The City has been allocated $9.7 million in funding to address the negative impacts of the pandemic through a number of opportunities, including education, housing, food assistance, or loan and grant programs.

The survey is now closed. The City received more than 800 responses.

Stonecrest appreciates your support and input in this important community outreach initiative. Currently, City leaders are reviewing the results and issues that are important to you. To view the ARPA survey results, click here.

ARPA Discussions

Below are the dates and agenda topics surrounding ARPA funding. To locate and read the minutes of those meetings, or to view the presentations given to City Council, click here.

Please check back often for updates.

DATE DISCUSSED	AGENDA (OR DISCUSSION) ITEM
8.28.23	Approval of Funding Recommendations
8.13.23	ARPA Update
7.31.23	ARPA Update
6.14.23	Approval of Small Business and Residential Support Distribution of Funds
4.11.22	ARPA Community Engagement Plan
5.23.22	City Manager's ARPA Survey Update
6.13.22	ARPA Update
6.29.22	ARPA Survey Results Presentation
8.8.22	ARPA Work Session Presentation
8.22.22	ARPA Update
9.12.22	ARPA Update
11.07.22	Georgia Piedmont ARPA Grant consideration
12.12.22	ARPA Update
12.27.22	ARPA Funding Approved for Parks Equipment
1.23.23	ARPA Funding Approved for Lighting Improvements at the Southeast Athletic Complex
2.13.23	ARPA Update
2.27.23	ARPA Funding Recommendations
3.13.23	ARPA Funding Approved for parks bleachers

Stonecrest Officials Approve ARPA Allocations for the City

The Stonecrest City Council approved recommendations for the initial allocation of $9.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds at its August 22 meeting.

The first phase will distribute $5.7 million aimed at aiding residents and businesses as well as supporting both education and youth programs.

The initial allocations approved at Monday's meeting included the following categories: small business support ($2 million), educational support ($1.2 million), residential assistance ($1 million), parks upgrades ($900,000), advisory services ($542,220), new youth programs ($500,000), and a Stonecrest Citizens Academy ($25,000 a reduction from $100,000).

Stonecrest Allocates $500K in ARPA Grants to Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Stonecrest City Council has awarded $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC). The grant will be used to support continuing education and workforce training at GPTC's Regional Transportation Training Center, which is undergoing renovations and construction in Stonecrest.

Mayor Jazzmin Cobble presented the funds to the College's staff during GPTC's annual Grateful Gathering program.

"Today is a great day for Stonecrest. I am thrilled to announce our financial pledge to Georgia Piedmont Technical College. This grant will create more jobs and expand educational opportunities," said Mayor Cobble. "I want to thank the City Council for their vote and commitment to supporting educational partnerships throughout the city. This investment is critical to ensuring economic growth and future development in our community."

The Regional Transportation Training Center will be instrumental in producing high-demand, skilled workers for the transportation industry, notably commercial truck drivers, logistics, and distribution workers.

"If it weren't for the generosity of our public and private partners, Georgia Piedmont Technical College would have a hard time providing the workforce development needed for our citizenry," said GPTC President Dr. Tavarez Holston. "The half a million in funds from the City of Stonecrest will go a long way toward enhancing the training and education for our logistics and transportation programs."

Stonecrest Approves Over $374K in ARPA Funds

Stonecrest City Council unanimously approved the allocation of $374,211 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for lighting improvements at the Southeast Athletic Complex and awarded a contract to install LED field lights at the facility during its January 23 meeting.

The City's investment will increase visibility, enhance safety, and extend outdoor youth program hours in the park. Stonecrest's improvement plan includes adding new lights to the soccer fields and maintenance area at the complex.

"We are committed to bringing more amenities and a brighter future to our parks and recreational facility," said Mayor Jazzmin Cobble. "Parks are unofficial town squares that unite our communities, and our Parks and Recreation Department provides an essential service to our residents and visitors. These ARPA funds combined with SPLOST revenue from our Fiscal Year 23 Capital Improvements Budget will help us continue to build outdoor gems that will draw our community together for generations."

In August 2022, the City Council set aside an initial total of $900,000 in ARPA funding for park upgrades. The amount approved during Monday's meeting represents a portion of those funds.

The City anticipates noticeable cost-savings from the purchase of the new lights.

"LED sports lighting is more energy efficient than traditional lighting methods," said Ben Dillard, Director of Parks and Recreation. "This one-time federal funding provides an opportunity to activate our fields for longer durations and reduce the City's operational costs."