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City of Chamblee

Greenspace within a QCT of Chamblee

New-Dresden-Sign-(002).jpg

Source: City of Chamblee

The City of Chamblee was allocated just over $11 million in ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and is spending a majority of this pandemic relief money on outdoor recreational space in an underserved part of the city. When news surfaced that a new federal relief package, the American Rescue Plan, would bring funding directly to every local government in the country, the City tossed around different ideas on how to spend their allocation. It continued to assess priority needs before the U.S. Treasury released the Final Rule and it was still not fully clear what would constitute eligible and ineligible expenses. 

In determining possible ARPA-funded projects, the City adopted a different mindset than with funding from the CARES Act of March 2020. With CARES, funds had to be spent almost right away and in a more restrictive manner. For example, direct revenue replacement was not allowed even when many cities nationwide experienced significant budget shortfalls. With ARPA, the City was able to weigh projects that not only respond to the pandemic and its economic fallout but would have a long-term impact on the community, particularly its most vulnerable residents.

The City ultimately settled on the buildout of a master park plan for Dresden Park within a Qualified Census Tract (QCT) of the city. The park, formally operated by Dekalb County, came into the city in 2014 as part of an annexation. The City had long identified the area as one in need of more public investment. It developed the concept plan for Dresden Park before the pandemic, but when COVID-19 hit, the City had to put a pause on identifying funding and prioritizing the buildout. The pandemic revealed how vital it is for people's quality of life to have access to greenspace and places for the community to gather. When Chamblee received its ARPA funding, it just made sense to proceed with the park's buildout.

What is a Qualified Census Tract? Qualified Census Tract is any census tract (or equivalent geographic area defined by the Bureau of the Census) in which at least 50% of households have an income less than 60% of the Area Median Gross Income. (Source: HUD) GMA put together a guide to help cities identify QCTs in their jurisdiction. 

In July, the City approved a contract with Lose Designs to provide architecture and engineering services for the improved Dresden Park. Once the final design is complete, the City will work with Lose Designs to select a construction management firm to begin construction on the park.  As outlined in the plan, the concept includes:

  • A renovated parking lot
  • 2 artificial turf fields
  • New restroom/concessions/meeting room building
  • New playground
  • Multi-use court
  • Pavilions
  • Field and path lighting
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Irrigation
  • Underground detention

The building will house a community room to provide services to students and families in partnership with DeKalb County Schools and other community organizations. 

With its ARPA funding, Chamblee has made unparalleled investments in its parks and parts of the community that are more economically vulnerable. On top of the work in Dresden Park, the City has also installed bathrooms at another park within a Qualified Census Tract. With these new facilities, families and teams spending time at the park do not have to limit their playtime and can comfortably enjoy their recreation spaces.

Dresden Park Master Plan 2022

Click here for a full view of the concept photo. Source: City of Chamblee

Technology for Accessibility

Chamblee has put a premium on accessibility and used its remaining ARPA funds to invest in technologies that will enhance it. 

To streamline public services, the City purchased workflow management software through GovPilot to automate processes on the back and front end, such as permitting, licensing, bids and procurement, contract management, and citizen requests. The software also helps employees work more independently - an advantage that ensures resilience in the event of another pandemic or disruption to regular operations.

Furthermore, the City invested in Swagit, a livestreaming, closed-captioning, and archiving service to allow for better virtual public participation in city council or other city business meetings. Chamblee is also in the process of  upgrading its website to provide more virtually accessible services, be more ADA-compliant, and

 

GMA is proud of our member, the City of Chamblee, for all the ways it is using its ARPA dollars for community investment. Click here for a detailed profile of the city.

Please let GMA tell your city's ARPA story! Contact Claire Chan at cchan@gacities.com or (470)484-6705.