During COVID, immigrant and refugee families had fewer resources to sustain themselves financially through the pandemic as many were ineligible for unemployment benefits and other federal aid such as the Payment Protection Plan and child tax credits—further exacerbating economic disparities within these communities. Even families that qualify struggle to navigate complicated program requirements, which are not often available in languages other than English. Public and private entities with bilingual capabilities could help residents with application forms and information, but these organizations are limited in reach due to funding. 

Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the ARPA-funded Baltimore New American Access Coalition (BNAAC) to minimize the economic and social disparities immigrant and refugee families face.  Click here to read more about Baltimore's continuing work to confront and eliminate barriers to immigrant success... 

In November 2021, Mayor Brandon M. Scott awarded the Mayor’s Office of Employment & Development $30 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to expand workforce development and job placements throughout the city. Read more about ARPA Insight Stories: Small Business Wage Subsidy Program...

ARPA Impact Stories: Lexington Market

In March 2022, Mayor Brandon M. Scott allocated $4.9 million of Baltimore’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to complete the redevelopment of Lexington Market, for the 45+ diverse merchants who will call the new market home. The new merchant mix will increase minority-owned businesses and women-owned businesses. The market’s redevelopment marks a new era for the nearly 240-year-old institution.

In July 2021, Mayor Brandon Scott established the Mayor’s Office of Recovery programs to be responsible for administering all aspects of ARPA funding and regularly reporting to the federal government, as well as the public.