OMAHA - The City of Omaha’s full-time employees, minus elected officials, are to get a $3,000 boost this year in their paychecks.

Nearly 15 city parks, pools, and other public spaces are to be spiffed up.

These are just some of the ways Omaha plans to spend its latest allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Mayor Jean Stothert announced Tuesday, June 21.

The COVID-related federal act put $112,591,455 into the city’s coffers. An earlier infusion came in May 2021; the other $56 million came this month. ARPA funds must be spent by 2026.

“The primary use of ARPA funds is for local governments to replace revenue losses through 2023,” said Stothert, adding that about $31 million will go for that purpose.

However, she said, the ARPA funds could also be used to support community programs, respond to pandemic impacts, and promote economic recovery.

“The programs we have created and funded are especially important and will have communitywide benefits,” Stothert said.

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