Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: Justice and Public Safety

Error message
In order to filter by the "in queue" property, you need to add the Entityqueue: Queue relationship.-
Reports & ToolkitsAcross the nation, counties invest $107 billion in justice and public safety efforts each year. In total, counties support 91 percent of all local jails.Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: Justice and Public SafetyMarch 1, 2022March 1, 2022, 4:00 pm
-
Document
Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: Justice and Public Safety
THE RECOVERY FUND AND JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which NACo helped to develop and strongly advocated to pass, allocates $65.1 billion. These funds provide direct, flexible aid for every county, parish and borough in America. Counties are on the front lines in delivering this aid to residents and are a driving force connecting communities and strengthening the economy.
As directed by the ARPA and the U.S. Department of Treasury, counties can invest Recovery Funds into a broad range of programs, services and projects under five categories to: support the public health response; address negative economic impacts caused by COVID-19; replace lost revenue; provide premium pay to essential workers; and invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.
Since the enactment of the ARPA, America’s counties have been working hard to develop Recovery Fund implementation plans that will help spur an equitable economic recovery across the nation. As sound financial stewards, counties are investing these critical Recovery Funds to ensure the health and well-being of our nation’s residents and the economic vitality of our local communities. Many counties are in the preliminary stages of development and implementation of Recovery Fund Plans. This report highlights county investments to improve public safety, enhance support services in county jails and strengthen justice system infrastructure to increase efficiency.
COUNTIES INVEST BILLIONS IN JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Across the nation, counties invest $107 billion in justice and public safety efforts each year. In total, counties support 91 percent of all local jails.
View in Fullscreen
COUNTIES PLAN TO INVEST RECOVERY FUNDS TO:
COUNTIES ARE SUPPORTING JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY OPERATIONS THROUGH KEY INVESTMENTS
How are counties investing the funds? NACo analysis of 200 county ARPA Recovery Fund plans reveals county-designed investments in the community across key areas of need. These local priorities are found within county plans at the rate displayed in the chart, e.g. 25 percent of county plans include investments in justice and public safety. The darker bars are the investment categories adjacent to justice and public safety that support the continuation and expansion of services in counties. The examples in this report further illustrate the allocations to support justice and public safety on the local level.
Note: NACo analysis of 200 county Recovery Plan Performance Reports from counties with a population of 250,000 and above, as required by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Analysis is as of Nov. 19, 2021. While the bar chart sources Recovery Plans, the narrative examples in this report draw from a variety of resources including the Recovery Plans, press releases and other official documents.
COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS
Collin County is supporting public health measures in county jails by constructing a specialized medical and mental heath infirmary at the Collin County Adult Detention Center. The $134 million allocation of Recovery Funds will add approximately 450 beds and help the county better care for inmates while bolstering the county’s COVID-19 protection and mitigation response.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The District of Columbia is assisting returning residents by hiring additional peer navigators to help formerly incarcerated individuals with services such as job training and housing placement. An additional $1.1 million in Recovery Funds is allocated for the Building Blocks DC Case Management System, which focuses on reducing gun violence, in addition to $1.7 million for increased capacity at the alternative 911 response call center. These comprehensive investments aim to holistically address community safety during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
FULTON COUNTY, GA.
Fulton County is tackling the court case backlog caused by the pandemic with a $75 million investment of Recovery Funds. The funding will support the staffing, expansion and improvements to the current system including 20 additional courtrooms, extended hours, additional satellite courtroom locations, enhanced case management and the implementation of real-time case dispositions.
GLOUCESTER COUNTY, N.J.
Gloucester County is bolstering public safety by implementing Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for law enforcement. The county is also investing in CIT training for 911 dispatchers to increase the probability that a specifically trained CIT officer is dispatched to de-escalate a mental health crisis. These investments aim to increase the probability of positive outcomes in the community and support the county in its recovery efforts.
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINN.
Hennepin County is addressing the increase in gun violence during the pandemic through a $5 million allocation for a gun violence prevention program. The program will support “on the street” community providers, implement trauma-focused services and address the root causes of violence. An additional $990,000 is also allocated to address the COVID-19 related court backlog.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIF.
Los Angeles County is assisting residents by utilizing Recovery Funds to expand the system of care and reduce reliance on incarceration, support justice-focused community organizations, create jobs for justice-involved individuals and address trauma and violence in communities. The county is also setting aside $47.1 million for the Care First, Jails Last program, which supports community-based diversion efforts and jail alternatives. These efforts specifically target a population disproportionately affected by the public health crisis and economic downturn.
INGHAM COUNTY, MICH.
Ingham County is strengthening community safety during the pandemic through an investment of Recovery funds in advanced peace initiatives that aim to reduce gun violence. The program will help fund an initiative that includes non-police, trauma-informed social worker support, mediation services and de-escalation support.
ORANGE COUNTY, FLA.
Orange County is supporting first responders by installing a new Public Safety Radio Communications Tower in a part of the county that is experiencing rapid growth during the pandemic. The $1.5 million investment will provide critical support and coordination for all public safety agencies and county departments as they respond to the increased need.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD.
Prince George’s County will help vulnerable populations through a $3 million investment in gun violence prevention. The county aims to reduce shootings and homicides in underserved areas within the county, otherwise known as Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs). Given the increased incidences of gun violence during the pandemic, the county hopes to heighten public safety with this key support.
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.H.
Rockingham County is increasing public safety operations capacity by alleviating crowded working conditions at the courthouse and improving HVAC systems, with the support of $25 million from the Recovery Fund. The county is also setting aside $8 million to construct and operate a Community Corrections facility which will provide a 90-day mental health and substance abuse services program.
SEDGWICK COUNTY, KAN.
Sedgwick County is tackling public safety and court backlogs with a $1.5 million allocation of Recovery Funds. The funding will provide additional staff, office equipment, software and space for additional courtrooms. The sheriff’s department is also requesting a crisis counselor to provide mental health services to its staff due to the increase in stress caused by the pandemic.
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO.
St. Charles County is utilizing $57.25 million in Recovery Funds for a correctional project to expand mental health and substance abuse services and improve detainee living conditions in county jails. The project will support an additional 172 incarcerated individuals and address the increase in pretrial individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders. The county aims to use this Recovery Fund allocation to address the negative impact of COVID-19 on the incarcerated population and promote healthier living and working conditions for everyone involved in the justice system.
Across the nation, counties invest $107 billion in justice and public safety efforts each year. In total, counties support 91 percent of all local jails.2022-03-01Reports & Toolkits2023-04-11
THE RECOVERY FUND AND JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETYThe Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which NACo helped to develop and strongly advocated to pass, allocates $65.1 billion. These funds provide direct, flexible aid for every county, parish and borough in America. Counties are on the front lines in delivering this aid to residents and are a driving force connecting communities and strengthening the economy. As directed by the ARPA and the U.S. Department of Treasury, counties can invest Recovery Funds into a broad range of programs, services and projects under five categories to: support the public health response; address negative economic impacts caused by COVID-19; replace lost revenue; provide premium pay to essential workers; and invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. Since the enactment of the ARPA, America’s counties have been working hard to develop Recovery Fund implementation plans that will help spur an equitable economic recovery across the nation. As sound financial stewards, counties are investing these critical Recovery Funds to ensure the health and well-being of our nation’s residents and the economic vitality of our local communities. Many counties are in the preliminary stages of development and implementation of Recovery Fund Plans. This report highlights county investments to improve public safety, enhance support services in county jails and strengthen justice system infrastructure to increase efficiency. |
COUNTIES INVEST BILLIONS IN JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Across the nation, counties invest $107 billion in justice and public safety efforts each year. In total, counties support 91 percent of all local jails.
COUNTIES PLAN TO INVEST RECOVERY FUNDS TO:
COUNTIES ARE SUPPORTING JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY OPERATIONS THROUGH KEY INVESTMENTS
How are counties investing the funds? NACo analysis of 200 county ARPA Recovery Fund plans reveals county-designed investments in the community across key areas of need. These local priorities are found within county plans at the rate displayed in the chart, e.g. 25 percent of county plans include investments in justice and public safety. The darker bars are the investment categories adjacent to justice and public safety that support the continuation and expansion of services in counties. The examples in this report further illustrate the allocations to support justice and public safety on the local level.
Note: NACo analysis of 200 county Recovery Plan Performance Reports from counties with a population of 250,000 and above, as required by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Analysis is as of Nov. 19, 2021. While the bar chart sources Recovery Plans, the narrative examples in this report draw from a variety of resources including the Recovery Plans, press releases and other official documents.

-
Reports & Toolkits
Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: Clean Water, Sewer & Stormwater Infrastructure
Learn about county investments to expand clean water practices, strengthen stormwater mitigation tactics and improve local sewer systems. -
Reports & Toolkits
Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: Intergovernmental Partnerships
Learn about county investments complemented by intergovernmental partnerships to efficiently deliver programs and services, leverage state funding opportunities and support a regional approach to recovery. -
Reports & Toolkits
Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: Public Health Infrastructure
Learn about county investments in public health infrastructure. -
Reports & Toolkits
Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: The Social Determinants of Health
THE RECOVERY FUND AND THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
-
Reports & Toolkits
Strengthening Local Economies through the Recovery Fund: Executive Summary
NACo's report examines how counties are leveraging American Rescue Plan resources to support communities and rebuild the economy, even as the pandemic continues to affect jobs, public health, housing, and more. -
Blog
Treasury releases Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund payments to eligible counties
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the release of Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) payments to counties. -
Reports & Toolkits
ARPA Impact Report: An Analysis of How Counties are Addressing National Issues With Local Investments
With American Rescue Plan funds, counties are strengthening America’s workforce, addressing the nation’s behavioral health crisis, expanding broadband access, improving housing affordability and building prosperous communities for the next generation. -
Reports & Toolkits
NACo Analysis: Overview of New Treasury Guidance for ARPA Flexibility Legislation
On August 10, the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) released an Interim Final Rule (IFR) for the bipartisan State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act -
Reports & Toolkits
From recovery to revitalization: How local leaders are unlocking the potential of the American Rescue Plan
In March 2021, Congress passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). -
Reports & Toolkits
Myths & Facts: American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF), part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), allocated $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid for every county, parish and borough in America. -
Webinar
Membership Call: Overview of U.S. Treasury Updates for ARPA Recovery Fund Project and Expenditure
Apr. 19, 2023 , 4:00 pm – 5:00 pmUnable to attend? Watch the recording here. -
Blog
Treasury to open portal on Monday, April 3 ahead of ARPA Project and Expenditure Report April 30 deadline
All counties must submit an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund) Project and Expenditure (P&E) Report to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) by April 30, 2023.
-
Reports & Toolkits
NACo Analysis: Overview of New Treasury Guidance for ARPA Flexibility Legislation
On August 10, the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) released an Interim Final Rule (IFR) for the bipartisan State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act -
County News
County library teams up with jail to offer resources to incarcerated individuals
The Salt Lake County Library teamed up with the county jail to educate inmates on how to navigate the library, including using employment resources. -
Reports & Toolkits
Planning Principles Toolkit
Tools, templates and strategic guidance for maximizing the impact of opioid settlement funds on your community’s opioid abatement priorities. -
Blog
The County Countdown – July 24, 2023
Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. -
Blog
Community Mental Health Services May Support Reducing Jail Populations
The Stepping Up Initiative — supported by NACo, the American Psychiatric Association Foundation and the Council of State Governments Justice Center — assists county government efforts to reduce the prevalence of individuals with mental health conditions in the criminal legal system. -
County News
Urban, rural settings alike are ripe for wildlife interaction
While urban counties are seeing bears wander around a little more than usual, applications are due Aug. 1 for grants to assist wildlife crossing measures near highways.
-
Reports & Toolkits
American Rescue Plan Resource Hub
In March of 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 authorized the $350 billion State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), which provided $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to every county in America.Reports & Toolkitsdocument03092:00 pmReports & Toolkits<p>In March of 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 authorized the $350 billion State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), which provided $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to
-
Basic page
Justice & Public Safety Steering Committee
All matters pertaining to criminal justice and public safety systems, including criminal justice planning, law enforcement, courts, corrections, homeland security, community crime prevention, juvenile justice and delinquency prevention, emergency management, fire prevention and control, and civil disturbances.pagepagepage<p>All matters pertaining to criminal justice and public safety systems, including criminal justice planning, law enforcement, courts, corrections, homeland security, community crime prevention, juvenile justice and delinquency preven
-
Reports & Toolkits
Opioid Solutions Center
NACo’s Opioid Solutions Center empowers local leaders to invest resources in effective treatment, recovery, prevention and harm reduction practices that save lives and address the underlying causes of substance use disorder.Reports & Toolkitsdocument10123:30 pmReports & Toolkits<p>NACo's Opioid Solutions Center empowers local leaders to invest resources in effective treatment, recovery, prevention and harm reduction practices that save lives and address the underlying causes of substance use disorder.
Related News
-
County NewsCounty library teams up with jail to offer resources to incarcerated individualsAug. 7, 2023
-
BlogThe County Countdown – July 24, 2023Jul. 24, 2023
-
BlogCommunity Mental Health Services May Support Reducing Jail PopulationsJul. 19, 2023
Related Resources
-
Reports & ToolkitsPlanning Principles ToolkitAug. 1, 2023
-
Reports & ToolkitsMedicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) Advocacy ToolkitJul. 13, 2023
-
County ProfilesOpioid Solutions Center: Counties in ActionJun. 26, 2023
Related Resources
-
County News
County library teams up with jail to offer resources to incarcerated individuals
The Salt Lake County Library teamed up with the county jail to educate inmates on how to navigate the library, including using employment resources. -
Blog
The County Countdown – July 24, 2023
Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. -
Blog
Community Mental Health Services May Support Reducing Jail Populations
The Stepping Up Initiative — supported by NACo, the American Psychiatric Association Foundation and the Council of State Governments Justice Center — assists county government efforts to reduce the prevalence of individuals with mental health conditions in the criminal legal system.
-
Reports & Toolkits
Planning Principles Toolkit
Tools, templates and strategic guidance for maximizing the impact of opioid settlement funds on your community’s opioid abatement priorities. -
Reports & Toolkits
Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) Advocacy Toolkit
The Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP), which denies or revokes federal health and other benefits, is a violation of the equal protection and due process clauses of the Fifth and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, respectively. This policy also places undue financial and administrative burdens on local jails and produces unfavorable health outcomes for individuals and communities. By contrast, the uninterrupted provision of health care helps our residents break the cycle of recidivism exacerbated by untreated physical and mental illnesses and substance use disorders. -
County Profiles
Opioid Solutions Center: Counties in Action
Learn how counties are demonstrating leadership and commitment to delivering effective abatement activities at the local level.
Upcoming Events
-
28Sep2023Webinar
How Overloaded County IT Organizations Can Address Traditional and New AI-Generated Cyber Threats
Sep. 28, 2023 , 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm -
28Sep2023Webinar
BRECC National Network Learning Series: The Nuts and Bolts of Community Benefits Plans
Sep. 28, 2023 , 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm -
3Oct2023Webinar
NACo Information Series on Treasury’s ARPA Flexibility Guidance: Relief from Natural Disasters
Oct. 3, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
More From
-
Opioid Solutions Center
NACo’s Opioid Solutions Center empowers local leaders to invest resources in effective treatment, recovery, prevention and harm reduction practices that save lives and address the underlying causes of substance use disorder.
Learn More