Clark County, Washington

Recovery Plan 

State and Local Fiscal Recovery 

Funds

2021 Report
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 1

Clark County, Washington

2021 Recovery Plan

Table of Contents

General Overview......................................................................................................................3

Executive Summary.................................................................................................................3

Uses of Funds .........................................................................................................................3

Promoting Equitable Outcomes ...............................................................................................4

Community Engagement .........................................................................................................5

Labor Practices .......................................................................................................................5

Use of Evidence ......................................................................................................................5

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category...........................................................................6

Project Inventory.......................................................................................................................8

Example Project .....................................................................................................................9

Additional Projects...................................................................................................................9

Ineligible Activities: Tax Offset Provision ............................................................................10
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 2

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Clark County Website Recovery Plan Full Report 

Executive Summary

On May 17

th

, 2021 the U.S. Treasury Department released its Interim Final Rule (IFR) on the use of the 

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF). The IFR governs the 

allocation of $350 billion that ARPA provided to states, counties, cities, and tribal and territorial 

governments, and specifies that funds must deployed for the purpose of responding to public health crisis 

and negative economic impacts resulting from the pandemic. The IFR defines four broad categories of 

eligible uses of SLFRF:

• “(A) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–

19) or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and 

nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality;

• “(B) to respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID–19 public health emergency 

by providing premium pay to eligible workers of the State, territory, or Tribal / local government that 

are performing such essential work, or by providing grants to eligible employers that have eligible 

workers who perform essential work; 

• “(C) for the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue of such State, 

territory, or Tribal / local government due to the COVID–19 public health emergency relative to 

revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year of the State, territory, or Tribal government prior 

to the emergency; or 

• “(D) to make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.

The IFR outlines eligible uses of funds and allows tremendous flexibility for recipient governments to help 

disproportionately impacted populations and communities, in making decisions about how to deploy the 

funds toward promoting a “stronger, more equitable economy.”, and in meeting local needs including 

support for households, small businesses, impacted industries, essential workers, and hardest hit 

communities, as well as making necessary investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. In 

all, SLFRF Reporting Guidance makes it clear that the funds provided are intended to provide a great deal 

more flexibility than similar resources provided under the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) of 

2020.

Clark County ARPA SLFRF Priority Funding Areas

On June 30th, 2021, Clark County Council heard an overview of County departments and community 

stakeholder proposals for funding priorities and approved the Auditor’s Office spending plan proposal for 

the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund ~ (SLFRF) Spending Plan

for an effective, efficient, and equitable pandemic recovery. Funding priorities discussed in the spending 

plan include departmental support for ongoing public health emergency pandemic response and 

readiness, community services homelessness crisis response, information technology cybersecurity 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 3

improvement, criminal prosecution and indigent defense case backlog remediation, general government 

operations and infrastructure, and the development of an equitable and inclusive community engagement 

plan and development of an external applicant funding request process.

Funded Projects as of July 31st, 2021

As of July 31, 2021, approximately $26.745 million have been allocated by the County Council to support 

Clark County homelessness services, technology infrastructure and cyber security, and reduction of 

criminal prosecution and indigent defense case backlogs resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

• $15.5 million allocated to Department of Community Services for additional supporting for the Clark 

County Homeless Crisis Response System (HCRS) to aid in its response to increased unsheltered 

homelessness as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

• $8.745 million allocated to Department of Information Technology to replace network infrastructure 

and upgrade network equipment nearing the end of useful life and address cybersecurity needs 

resulting from increased and ongoing remote work operations in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

• $2.5 million allocated to Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to address case backlogs resulting from the 

Covid-19 pandemic. Criminal justice systems across the country are facing significant backlogs of cases 

and Clark County has been similarly impacted, following national trends, as well as trends across the 

state.

Clark County ARPA SLFRF Revenue Loss & Recovery

Clark County will continue to develop funding priorities and develop a process for expending the SLFRF 

allowable revenue recovery for government services and total Revenue Loss related to Covid-19 

pandemic.

Revenue recovery for 2021 is estimated to be up to $9.5 million, as calculated according to the Interim 

Final Rule guidelines for revenue loss in 2020. Approximately $5.8 million of the estimated recovered 

revenue is expected to be committed to specific revenue replacement categories as determined the 

County Council, and the remaining $4 million available to support other government services. Revenue 

recovery may be recalculated and expended annually during covered fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023 at the 

discretion of the County Council, and must be recalculated if additional revenue losses are claimed for 

revenue recovery purposes in remaining tears years of the covered period. It should also be noted that 

all recovered revenues must be reinvested in government services.

Clark County ARPA SLFRF Community Engagement Plan

In addition to funding requests for departmental support in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the 

County Council is reviewing plans for a community engagement process around the use of ARPA SLFRF 

funds for future non-profit and community-based projects. Non-profits, community-based organizations, 

and community members will be engaged in multiple opportunities to provide input and feedback on how 

the county may support building capacity within community organizations that serve low-income 

communities, people of color, and other populations experiencing barriers to receiving services. 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 4

The County Council will review an authorize all future external funding requests through an external 

application process with priorities given to projects that provide efficient, effective, efficient and equitable

solutions to public health and/or negative economic impacts exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic as 

outlined in futured award criteria. A committee will be developed to review and evaluate applications 

based upon established funding criteria. Eligible projects selected by the committee will be submitted to 

County Council for final approval and awards determinations.

Clark County ARPA SLFRF Challenges and Opportunities 

Without the additional federal government assistance that the SLFRF provides, the economic and public 

health crises facing our communities would deepen the divide between healthy and sick, the prosperous 

and the poor, the stably housed and unhoused, and dramatically impact our government’s ability to 

provide timely, safe, secure, high quality essential government services to the county’s residents. The 

Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provides a substantial infusion of resources to help turn 

the tide on the pandemic, by bolstering governments, addressing economic fallout, and laying the 

foundation for a stronger and more equitable recovery for all.

Uses of Funds

This report will provide a summary of the American Rescue Plan Act ~ (ARPA) State & Local Fiscal Recovery 

Fund ~ (SLFRF) Spending Plan as presented to Clark County Council on June 30th, 2021 and an overview 

of the County’s plan for effective, efficient, and equitable pandemic recovery.

The American Rescue Plan Act encompasses a vast array of funding opportunities and resources spanning 

the breadth of the American economy aimed at economic and social stability in addition to addressing the 

immediate public health crisis precipitated by the COVID -19 pandemic. 

Additional ARPA Resources Available to SLFRF Recipients

In addition to SLFRF, there are other resources that are available through ARPA to meet the unique needs 

of state and local governments. Counties are eligible to apply for multiple funding resources including:

• $362 billion for State & Local Fiscal Recovery

• $211.57 billion for Education and Childcare

• $56.27 billion for Individuals and Families

• $86.24 billion for Healthcare and Behavioral Health 

• $ 61.32 billion for other programs including Disaster Relief.

Prior to enactment of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) on July 28th, 2021, Washington 

State had already set aside $400 million in the 2021-23 biennial budget for broadband infrastructure 

investment across the state. With the new legislation, an additional $550 billion in new federal investment 

will become available to states for roads, bridges, water, transportation, electric vehicle infrastructure, 

climate resilience, and nation-wide universal internet access. This legislation will build upon the $65 billion 

already set forth in the ARPA for broadband investment. The IIJA will provide billions of dollars for 

broadband deployment in addition to the American Rescue Plan, to help ensure every American has 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 5

access to reliable high-speed internet and allow communities of all sizes in all regions to begin closing the 

gap on the digital divide.

Clark County ARPA SLFRF Preliminary Funding Allocation

The preliminary funding allocations for ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for Clark County will 

occur in two equal disbursements. The County received the first $47.35 million in June or 2021 and is 

anticipated to receive the second equal tranche in June of 2022, totaling approximately $94.7 million. All 

funds must be obligated by December 31st, 2024 and expended by December 31st, 2026. The county may 

use the time available during the covered period, prior to December 31st, 2024, to decide how to allocate 

these funds.

Establishing ARPA SLFRF Preliminary Funding Priorities and Spending Plan

Bearing these funding opportunities and constraints in mind, Clark County Auditor’s Office and ARPA 

program staff engaged multiple County departments, external agencies and other stakeholders to gather 

input and develop a list of funding needs emerging from the negative economic and disparate public 

health impacts resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic, and developed a vetting process for these funding 

priorities within the eligible uses of the SLFRF. The County continues to engage both internal and external 

stakeholders as well the public to identify priorities, gather feedback, and seek potential synergies among 

various funding requests. The County Council will continue to review proposals and provide guidance and 

approval for the ARPA SLFRF projects, direction and concepts proposed in this spending plan.

Through this process of dialogue and gathering feedback from stakeholders the County developed a set 

of funding priorities around key factors including; eligible uses of SLFRF funds, the existence of other ARPA 

funded programs, and other federal and state funding opportunities available. Given the broad and nonexclusive nature of the American Rescue Plan funding priorities, in addition to SLFRF, the county has 

developed a set of priorities that respond to the immediate public health emergency and negative 

economic impacts resulting from the pandemic including; addressing economic harms to households and 

sheltering needs of the unhoused exacerbated by the pandemic, providing long range planning for and 

investment in essential government services, infrastructure and technology, investment in modernization 

of information technology infrastructure and cybersecurity, that support of public health and other 

essential government services required to maintain county operations and support county programs 

through the pandemic and future public health emergencies.

ARPA SLFRF Approved Funding Allocations as of July 31, 2021

*As of July 31, 2021, County Council has reviewed $26.745 million in total funding requests including: 

Public Health (EC 1)

Under Expenditure Category 1.1.7, “Capital Investments or Physical Plant Changes to Public Facilities 

that respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency” County Council allocated $8.745 million to the 

Department of Information Technology to replace network infrastructure and upgrade network 

equipment that need to be replaced due to nearing the end of useful life as defined by the manufacturer. 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 6

These resources address cyber-security needs resulting from increased and ongoing remote work 

resulting from ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and in response to an explosion of 

ransomware attacks nationwide. Clark County’s network has never been at more risk for cyber related 

attacks that today, due to remote operation necessitated by the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 

latest network hardware and software will allow Clark County to implement the Zero Trust Architecture

which further limits a hacker’s access.

Under Expenditure Category 1.1.9, “Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and Other Public Sector Staff 

Responding to COVID-19” County Council allocated $2.5 million to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to 

address case backlogs created by the Covid-19 pandemic. As a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic, 

criminal justice systems across the country face significant backlogs of cases. Clark County has been 

impacted in much the same way as systems have been impacted nationally, as well as across the state. 

Due to the pandemic, local courts were not able to hold criminal trials due to the closure of court facilities 

to the public. Without this critical component of the justice system, cases that ordinarily would have 

resolved in the past year remain open. Without the ability to resolve cases at a normal rate for an entire 

year, criminal division caseloads have grown to record highs that are not sustainable with current staffing 

levels, a justice system that has been very significantly hobbled by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC 3) 

Under Expenditure Category 3.3.11, “Housing Support: Services for Unhoused Persons (* ^)” County 

Council allocated $15.5 million to the Department of Community Services for additional supporting for 

the Clark County Homeless Crisis Response System (HCRS) to aid in its response to increased unsheltered 

homelessness as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The pandemic has put significant pressure on the 

HCRS, increasing visible unsheltered homelessness while at the same time making provision of homeless 

outreach services more difficult, increasing housing stabilization costs, increasing the amount of time 

persons need services, and reducing available housing in the rental market. Though significant rent and 

utility assistance funding is in the process of being distributed throughout the county, it overwhelmingly 

targets households who have housing and owe rent. Funding for homeless services has not significantly 

increased since the pandemic began.

Clark County ARPA SLFRF Revenue Loss & Recovery

The county will continue to develop funding priorities and develop a process for expending the SLFRF 

allowable revenue recovery for government services and total Revenue Loss related to Covid-19 

pandemic.

Estimated revenue recovery for 2021 is up to $9.5 million as calculated according to the Interim Final Rule

guidelines for revenue loss in 2020. Approximately $5.8 million of the recovered revenue is expected to 

be committed to specific revenue replacement categories as determined the County Council and the 

remaining $4 million available to support other government services. Revenue recovery may be 

recalculated annually during covered fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023 at the discretion of the County Council, 

and must be recalculated if additional revenue losses are claimed for revenue recovery purposes in 

remaining tears years of the covered period. It should also be noted that all recovered revenues must be 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 7

reinvested in government services. These figures are only estimated due to the remainder of awaiting 

Council review and action. This approach is appropriate given the requirement for Council to approve any

appropriations, allocations, and new programs.

Other Federal Recovery Funds

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act & Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA I)

The CARES Act was signed into law in March 2020 to provide economic assistance for American workers, 

families and small businesses. It also assists state, local and tribal governments as they respond to the 

pandemic.

Prior to enactment of the ARPA SLFRF Clark County was the recipient of CARES Act Coronavirus Fiscal 

Recovery funds (CRF) as well as well Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA I) program funds to combat crisis 

brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and address emergent negative economic impacts affecting our 

communities. The County Auditor’s office detailed CARES Act funds distribution and published program 

reports on the Clark County website on February 12th, 2021.

The Clark County Auditor’s Office provided the County Council detailed information on how the county 

has spent Coronavirus Relief Funds in the community. Details on the distribution of CARES Act Title V and 

Title VI funds are available on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/covid19/coronavirus-relieffunds-distribution.

The distribution of the federal relief funds covered a wide variety of public health responses and services 

to the community including:

• Supporting local businesses and utility customers

• Providing rental assistance

• Housing for at-risk residents

• Transitioning essential workers to teleworking

• Coordinating COVID-19 testing

• Conducting COVID-19 case and contact notifications

• Updating election protocols

• Facilitating physically distanced law and justice practices

Clark County leadership in Public Health and Community Services that oversee these programs have 

developed lasting relationships with community serving organizations to facilitate successful 

implementation of these programs. Partnerships between county departments and these organizations 

have been instrumental in identifying emergent needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic in Clark County 

and administering available resources to meet those needs. For more information on the county’s 

response to the COVID-19 pandemic visit the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/covid19.

Outputs and Outcomes for federally Support Covid-19 Pandemic Response Programs

Community Economic Support: $14,335,732

• Clark County has partnered with several local service providers to present over 1,000 small 

businesses with grants totaling more than $10 million.
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 8

• The Residential Utility Assistance Grant has provided more than 11,000 utility customers with 

assistance totaling $3.2 million.

• Wraparound services have provided support to 750 households in the forms of housing payments, 

groceries, and utility support.

Compliance and Essential Government Services: $21,631,781

• Approximately 800 Clark County employees were transitioned to teleworking.

• The county supported COVID-19 related leave for employees.

• Essential government services were modified to coordinate the best level of support for county 

residents.

Public Health Response: $12,839,987*

• Quarantine & Isolation services were provided to house 270 at-risk residents.

• Case notification and contact interviewing for residents 7 days per week.

• Developed and implemented communicable disease databases and systems including Kohezion, 

CREST, and Sara Alert.

• Dedicated nursing teams to support outbreak investigations and infectious disease prevention 

protocols for at-risk facilities.

• Developed criteria for PPE requirements and worked with CRESA for PPE distribution.

• Coordinate testing at adult family homes and Health Officer oversight at the Tower Mall testing 

site.

* Public Health grant funding has been extended to June 30, 2021 and may continue to increase.

American Rescue Plan Emergency Rental Assistance Program -2 (ERA II) 

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) was signed into law in March 2021 to bolster 

ongoing support for state, local and tribal governments in their efforts to provide economic assistance for 

American workers, families and small businesses in their responses to the public health crisis and negative 

economic impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of the Treasury is 

providing up to $21.55 billion for the Emergency Rental Assistance-2 (ERA2) program which is funded

under the ARPA. The funds are being provided directly to states, U.S. territories, and local governments.

The Clark County Department of Community Services received County Council approval to submit an 

application for funding to the U.S. Department of Treasury to accept and distribute Emergency Rental 

Assistance-2 (ERA2) provided by the Treasury Department during 2021, and to contract with local service 

providers to implement an Emergency Rental Assistance program to promptly distribute received funds 

in the community.

ERA 2 sets aside $2.5 billion for eligible grantees with a high need for ERA2 assistance based on the 

number of very low-income renter households paying more than 50 percent of income on rent or living 

in substandard or overcrowded conditions, rental market costs, and change in employment since February 

2020. Grantees must use the funds to aid eligible households through existing or newly created rental 

assistance programs.

A minimum of ninety percent (90%) of awarded funds must be used for direct financial assistance, 

including rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, utilities and home energy costs arrears, and 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 9

other expenses related to housing. Remaining funds are available for housing stability services, including 

case management and other services intended to keep households stably housed. ERA2 funds are set to 

expire on September 30, 2025. 

The U.S. Treasury Department notified the County on the afternoon of Friday, May 7, 2021 that the 

application portal for ERA2 was open and requested that the County submit its application by Monday, 

May 10, 2021. Clark County Community Services requests authorization to apply for these funds, make 

the emergency rental assistance available in the community, and for the County Manager to have 

authorization to sign the application and all necessary subcontracts related to program implementation 

and spend-out of funding as required by the American Rescue Plan.

The Clark County allocation for ERA2 is $11,647,258.90, with forty percent (40%) allocated for 2021 in the 

amount of $4,658,903.56 and the remaining (sixty percent) 60% allocated in 2022 in the amount of 

$6,988,345.34. The 2021 award has been obligated but not expended as of July 31st, 2021. Expenditures 

for ERA II are expected to begin in August 2021. Rental assistance lists will be reopening on 8/23/2021, as 

capacity to process within the contracted provides’ systems allows. ARPA SLFRF funds have been made 

available through zero interest short-term loans to providers in order to increase providers capital 

capacity to process larger amounts of rental supports without undercutting their financial operating 

capacity.

Promoting Equitable Outcomes 

Addressing Negative Economic Impacts (EC 2):

Establishing Equitable Processes and Outcomes for ARPA SLFRF Funding Priorities

For the purposes of the SLFRF, equity is defined in the Executive Order 13985 On Advancing Racial 

Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, as issued on 

January 20, 2021, and in keeping with Clark County’s mission is to, “enhance the quality of life in our 

diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability.” The count has 

been diligent in its efforts to clearly define programmatic goals with and strategic focus to align with the 

county’s overall mission.

Bearing these funding opportunities and constraints and equity goals in mind, Clark County Auditor’s 

Office and ARPA program staff engaged multiple County departments, external agencies and other 

stakeholders to gather input and develop a list of funding needs and priorities emerging from the negative 

economic and disparate public health impacts resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic, and developed a 

vetting process for the County’s internal funding priorities within the eligible uses of the SLFRF. The 

County continues to engage both internal and external stakeholders as well the public identify priorities, 

gather feedback, and seek potential synergies among various funding requests to provide the most 

effective, efficient and equitable outcomes possible. The County Council will continue to review proposals 

and provide guidance and approval for the ARPA SLFRF projects, direction and concepts proposed in the 

preliminary spending plan and make adjustments as needed.

Through this process of dialogue and gathering feedback from multiple and diverse stakeholder groups,

the County developed a set of funding priorities around key factors including; eligible uses of SLFRF funds, 

the existence of other ARPA funded programs, and other federal and state funding opportunities 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 10

available. Given the broad and non-exclusive nature of the American Rescue Plan funding priorities, in 

addition to SLFRF, the county has developed a set of priorities that respond the immediate public health 

emergency and negative economic impacts resulting from the pandemic including: addressing economic 

harms to households hardest hit by the pandemic, addressing sheltering needs of the unhoused 

exacerbated by the pandemic, providing long range planning for and supporting investment in essential 

government services, infrastructure and technology, investing in modernization of information 

technology infrastructure and cybersecurity needs exacerbated by the pandemic, and support of public 

health and other essential government services required to maintain county operations and support 

county programs through the pandemic and future public health emergencies. 

As of July 31, 2021, County Council has reviewed $26.745 million in total funding requests including $15.5 

million for “Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC 3)”. Under Expenditure Category 

3.3.11, “Housing Support: Services for Unhoused Persons (* ^)” County Council allocated $15.5 million to 

the Department of Community Services for additional supporting for the Clark County Homeless Crisis 

Response System (HCRS) to aid in its response to increased unsheltered homelessness as a result of the 

Covid-19 Pandemic. The pandemic has put significant pressure on the HCRS, increasing visible unsheltered 

homelessness while at the same time making provision of homeless outreach services more difficult, 

increasing housing stabilization costs, increasing the amount of time persons need services, and reducing 

available housing in the rental market. Though significant rent and utility assistance funding is in the 

process of being distributed throughout the county, it overwhelmingly targets households who have 

housing and owe rent. Funding for homeless services has not significantly increased since the pandemic 

began.

Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC 3):

Promoting Equitable Outcomes in Program Design

Goals: 

Community Services will utilize the American Rescue Plan funding for the purpose of supporting the 

Homeless Crisis Response System (HCRS) in its response to increased unsheltered homelessness and 

expand services to disproportionately impacted communities. Service providers are contracted to take 

active steps to help their programs become more culturally competent, increase cultural awareness, and 

improve delivery of services to historically underserved communities in Clark County. Historically 

underserved communities include but are not limited to: Native Americans, Hispanic/Latin(x), African 

Americans, Pacific Islanders, LGBTQ community, and other under-represented communities of color. 

Examples of active steps furthering this effort include but are not limited to: increasing representation of 

underserved communities on agency governing boards; forming advisory committees with members of 

underserved communities to assist in culturally appropriate delivery of services; incorporating formal 

collaboration with culturally specific organizations in program design. 

Awareness: 

Clark County has partnered with local homeless services providers to engage eligible participants and 

connect them to program interventions via the coordinated entry system, outreach efforts, and the 

Housing Solution Center hotline. The coordinated entry system provides access to the most appropriate 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 11

housing to households experiencing homelessness through a standardized assessment and referral 

process. In Clark County, the coordinated entry system is known as the Housing Solutions Center. The 

Housing Solution Center is the hub of all homeless outreach and engagement activity. Individuals and 

families can contact the Housing Solution Center Hotline to learn about available shelter and housing 

assistance in Clark County. Local service providers provide outreach to individuals in encampments, 

streets, parks, and other locations as needed and connect to the coordinated entry system. Clark County 

is also frequently engaging with By and For agencies to obtain feedback on how to better engage and 

serve diverse populations. 

Access and Distribution: 

Prior to 2020, Clark County used a nationally-utilized assessment to measure vulnerability. In January 

2020, service providers began to utilize the Clark County Assessment Tool, a localized vulnerability 

assessment tool that was collaboratively developed with housing partners, people experiencing 

homelessness, and culturally specific partners. The intention of the Clark County Assessment Tool is to 

match the most vulnerable in our local community to housing programs and decrease inequities among 

program participants. The adoption of the Clark County Assessment Tool resulted in a reduction of the 

gap between people who are Caucasian and populations of color entering into housing programs. 

Outcomes: 

Clark County reviews data derived from the Homeless Management Information System to identify 

opportunities to increase equitable policies and procedures. Program adjustments are made to meet the 

needs of the most vulnerable and underserved populations. The Housing Solution Center tracks program 

demographic data and publishes an annual racial equity report. Clark County partners with local service 

providers and ensures that the implementation of cultural competency and appropriate accommodations 

for program participants across demographic differences. Program staff review provider’s policies and 

procedures to ensure equity across all programs. System performance measures such as unsheltered 

entries, length of stay in program, program utilization rate, time from program entry to housing, percent 

successful exits to permanent housing, and percent of program participants returning to homelessness 

are tracked and reported on in a system dashboard, which can be publicly accessed at 

https://www.councilforthehomeless.org/system-dashboard/.

Community Engagement 

Community Engagement Plan Proposal

Clark County’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in our diverse community by providing services 

with integrity, openness and accountability. Clark County Community Services has been working hard to 

clearly define our programs’ strategic focus to align with the county’s overall mission.

In keeping with this mission, on June 30th, 2021 County Council approved staff to move forward with the 

development of an external applicant funding request process and community engagement plan that 

would deliver accessible, inclusive and equitable process for requesting SLFRF funds that will focus on 

building the capacity of non-profits and community organizations that serve people experiencing 

significant barriers to services, including people of color, people with low incomes, limited English 

proficiency populations, and other traditionally underserved groups.
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 12

US Department of the Treasury issued Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Guidance on

Recipient Compliance and Reporting Responsibilities on June 17, 2021. Treasury Compliance and 

Reporting Responsibilities include community engagement as follows: “Section 3.4. Community 

Engagement: Please describe how your jurisdiction’s planned or current use of funds incorporates written, 

oral, and other forms of input that capture diverse feedback from constituents, community-based 

organizations, and the communities themselves. Where relevant, this description must include how funds 

will build the capacity of community organizations to serve people with significant barriers to services, 

including people of color, people with low incomes, limited English proficient populations, and other 

traditionally underserved groups.”

Additionally, for the purposes of the SLFRF, equity is defined in the Executive Order 13985 On Advancing 

Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, as issued on 

January 20, 2021. 

Based upon the recommendations outlined in the above excerpt from the Compliance and Reporting 

Guidance and Executive Order 13985, staff have made preliminary recommendations for development of 

a community engagement plan that will ensure efficient, effective and equitable delivery of services to 

that will build capacity in identified populations:

Recommendations for Development of SLFRF Community Engagement Plan

• Develop Community/Business Economic Resiliency Fund

• Develop criteria for stakeholder committee members selection and identify committee members

• Develop a grant criteria and review process for non-profits and businesses to submit applications

• Create external funds request web portal application (see Community Benefit Funding e-Request 

Template)

• Collaborate with Communications/Web teams to develop outreach and engagement strategies to 

improve public visibility and online access

• Provide stakeholder committee criteria to review projects and evaluate on merits & objectives, etc.

Community Resilience and Small Business Economic Recovery Grant Programs

• Community Benefit Grants: Support for community-serving institutions and non-profit organizations 

serving youth, seniors, and low-income communities with grants up to $100,000. Administered by 

County.

• Small Business Grants: Boost small business recovery with grants up to $25,000 to support mitigation 

of negative economic impacts resulting from COVID-19 • Possible advisory committee members: Clark 

County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with City of Vancouver Business Development Services

• Micro Grants: Provide small grants up to $5,000 to support community-led, projects responding to 

negative economic impact. Possible advisory committee partners: Community members in 

partnership with Clark Neighborhood Outreach Program.

Community Engagement Communications Plan

Staff will work collaboratively with Communications/Web teams to develop outreach and engagement 

strategies to improve public visibility and online access and engage historically underserved groups. Staff 

will create and external funds request web portal application and provide alternative access in multiple 

languages and formats.
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 13

Labor Practices 

*Not applicable at this time.

Project Overview

Clark County will utilize $15.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds to increase capacity for our local 

Homeless Crisis Response System. All interventions funded are recognized as evidence-based best

practices in addressing homelessness by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the U.S. Department 

of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Clark County will 

distribute $4.4 million for outreach services, $5 million to increase shelters capacity, $800,000 for motel 

vouchers, $2.5 million for rapid rehousing services, and $2.5 million for Permanent Supportive Housing 

services. Clark County partners with the following local homeless service providers for program

implementation: Council for the Homeless, Share, Vancouver Housing Authority, Impact Northwest, 

Lifeline Connections, Janus Youth, Second Step Housing, Sea Mar Community Services, Catholic 

Community Services, and YWCA. 

Access Clark County’s website for the American Rescue Plan Act program overview here .

Use of Evidence

Clark County will utilize $15.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds to increase capacity in the local 

Homeless Crisis Response System. All funds will be allocated to evidence-based practices throughout the 

community. The National Alliance to End Homeless identifies the following interventions as evidencebased: rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, and the homeless service system. Rapid rehousing is an increasingly important tool in communities’ responses to homelessness. “The model has 

shown success on the individual level – helping households exit homelessness and not return to shelter. 

Additionally, it has helped communities decrease the number of people experiencing homelessness and 

the amount of time households spend homeless.” Permanent supportive housing assists chronically 

homeless households maintain stable housing and live productively in the community. “PSH has been 

shown to be an effective intervention for people who have multiple barriers to finding and maintaining 

stable housing.” Within these each of these interventions, Clark County requires providers to utilize 

evidence-based practices in program implementation such as a housing-first approach, trauma-informed 

practices, and motivational interviewing. According to HUD, “housing first is an evidence-based practice 

that offers immediate access to permanent housing without preconditions for people experiencing 

homelessness who also have disabilities.” Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, person-centered 

approach to elicit and strengthen motivation to change. It offers providers a valuable framework for 

interacting with people experiencing homelessness or struggling with substance use, mental illness, and 

traumatic experiences. 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 14

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category

Category Cumulative

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

1 Expenditure Category: Public Health

2 Expenditure Category: Negative Economic 

Impacts

3 Expenditure Category: Services to 

Disproportionately Impacted Communities

3.11 Housing Support: Services for Unhoused Persons 23,265.73 23,265.73

4 Expenditure Category: Premium Pay

5 Expenditure Category: Infrastructure

6 Expenditure Category: Revenue Replacement

7 Administrative and Other

7.1 Administrative Expenses 17,673.40 17,673.40

See Section C(7) on page 27 of the Reporting Guidance for additional information.

Project Inventory 

Project GR0000458

Project [GR0000458]: [IT Network Infrastructure]

Funding amount: [$7,679,000]

Project Expenditure Category: [1.1.7 Capital Investments or Physical Plant Changes to Public 

Facilities that respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency]

Project Overview

With increased remote work continuing, and the explosion of ransomware attacks nationwide, Clark 

County’s network has never been at more risk for cyber related attacks. Information Technology 

requested $8,745,000 in ARPA funds, and equal budget spend authority, to complete a full refresh of the 

Clark County network infrastructure in order to increase cybersecurity, support remote operations due to 

ongoing pandemic response, and increase capacity for equitable access to government eservices being 

performed remotely, ensuring secure access for all community members. The use of $7,679,000 in ARPA 

funds for needed technology improvement was approved in the Council Work Session on June 30th, 2021

for obligation prior to July 31, 2021. 

Performing this infrastructure refresh will provide several significant benefits to the County. The new 

generation of network equipment will provide Clark County will more resiliency against hackers. It has 

added features our current network equipment does not have to help protect against and identify 

cyberattacks. It limits a hacker’s ability to spread ransomware to all departments by providing more 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 15

segmentation of our network. The new generation equipment also uses machine learning to identify 

potential cyber issues and automatically take steps to limit a hacker’s access. 

With current, and past, budget limitations it has been difficult to build a funding source for network 

equipment replacement. o This purchase would allow Clark County to push the due date of the next 

hardware replacement out approximately another ten (10) years. This would allow us to work with the 

County Manager to plan and develop a funding source for future replacements. o We will also bring in 

supplemental contract or project term human resources to ensure we can complete the project in a timely 

manner. Clark County is not staffed to do this project along with all the other tasks/project already 

scheduled. We want to ensure the County can take advantage of all the benefits as quickly as possible. 

White House Executive Order (EO) from May 12th, 2021, “Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s 

Cybersecurity” mandated the implementation of a “Zero Trust Architecture”. In Section 3 “Modernizing 

Federal Government Cybersecurity” of the EO it states, “The Federal Government must adopt security 

best practices; advance toward Zero Trust Architecture...”. Our goal is for Clark County to implement the 

same best practices. The latest network hardware and software will allow Clark County to implement the 

Zero Trust Architecture which further limits a hacker’s access. Without the use of ARPA funding the County 

will lose an opportunity for a significant improvement to the security of our infrastructure and the County 

will continue to lag behind other similar sized local government agencies in the area of network security.

Project GR0000456

Project [GR0000456]: [DCS ARPA Housing Assistance]

Funding amount: [$15,500,000]

Project Expenditure Category: [EC3.3.11 Housing Support: Services for Unhoused Persons* ^]

Project Overview

Community Services is requesting that the county council approve the allocation of $15,500,000 in 

American Rescue Plan funding for the purpose of supporting the Clark County Homeless Crisis Response 

System (HCRS) in its response to increased unsheltered homelessness and authorize the County Manager 

to sign all related grant agreements, subcontracts, amendments, and required reports.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put significant pressure on the Clark County Homeless Crisis Response 

System (HCRS), increasing visible unsheltered homelessness while at the same time making provision of 

homeless outreach services more difficult, increasing housing stabilization costs, increasing the amount 

of time persons are in need of services, and reducing available housing in the rental market. The upcoming 

end to the Governor’s eviction moratorium is expected to add to these pressures. Though significant rent 

and utility assistance funding is in the process of being distributed throughout the county, it 

overwhelmingly targets households who have housing and owe rent. 

During this time however, funding for homeless services has not significantly increased. To allow the Clark 

County HCRS to respond to the existing homeless crisis, Community Services requests $15,500,000 in onetime funding from the received American Rescue Plan funding for the purpose of increasing the capacity 

of the HCRS through 12/31/24 in the following ways: $4,400,000 to increase the size, availability, 

coordination, and supports provided by homeless outreach teams in Clark County for a period of 2 years 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 16

as well as provide flexible funds to be available for homeless outreach teams to provide housing barrier 

removal services, permanent housing placement support (such as move-in costs) and essential services 

that promote health and safety. $800,000 for motel vouchers to increase indoor shelter bed capacity in 

the county along with increased staffing and operations support necessary to maintain adequate services 

for people sheltered in motels. $5,000,000 for increased congregate and non-congregate shelters, support 

for shelters, and mitigation of increased permanent supportive housing costs for chronically homeless 

persons. $300,000 for continued rental and housing supports for unhoused persons currently enrolled in 

a Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) pilot for which funding is currently slated to end on 06/30/21. 

$2,500,000 for additional rent assistance and housing support for existing rapid rehousing programs that 

serve persons currently experiencing homelessness. $2,500,000 for additional housing and support costs 

for existing permanent supportive housing programs. The above amounts and service categories are 

estimates. Community Services requests council approval to adjust the amount of funds in each service 

category if higher priorities arise.

Use of Evidence 

Clark County will utilize $15.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds to increase capacity in the local 

Homeless Crisis Response System. All funds will be allocated to evidence-based practices throughout the 

community. The National Alliance to End Homeless identifies the following interventions as evidencebased: rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, and the homeless service system. Rapid rehousing is an increasingly important tool in communities’ responses to homelessness. “The model has 

shown success on the individual level – helping households exit homelessness and not return to shelter. 

Additionally, it has helped communities decrease the number of people experiencing homelessness and 

the amount of time households spend homeless.” Permanent supportive housing assists chronically 

homeless households maintain stable housing and live productively in the community. “PSH has been 

shown to be an effective intervention for people who have multiple barriers to finding and maintaining 

stable housing.” Within these each of these interventions, Clark County requires providers to utilize 

evidence-based practices in program implementation such as a housing-first approach, trauma-informed 

practices, and motivational interviewing. According to HUD, “housing first is an evidence-based practice 

that offers immediate access to permanent housing without preconditions for people experiencing 

homelessness who also have disabilities.” Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, person-centered 

approach to elicit and strengthen motivation to change. It offers providers a valuable framework for 

interacting with people experiencing homelessness or struggling with substance use, mental illness, and 

traumatic experiences. 

Project GR0000459

Project GR0000459number]: [ARPA SLFRF Program Administration]

Funding amount: [$162,000]

Project Expenditure Category [ 7.7.1 Administrative Expenses]

Project Overview

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan (ARP), providing among 

other funding, $350 billion to state and local governments. This funding is intended to pay for expenses, 

help offset the economic impact to the community, and replace County revenues lost because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The current estimate is that Clark County will be eligible for approximately 

$94.7 million. The funding will come in two tranches, 50% in May 2021 and 50% in May 2022. 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 17

The ARPA SLFRF designates city and county governments with populations exceeding 50,000 inhabitants 

as direct recipients. This determination will require a high level of program management to ensure Clark 

County complies with all the laws, guidelines, and reporting requirements.

During 2020, work plans were set aside, and County staff were reassigned to successfully manage the

federal and state funding provided by the Coronavirus Relief Act. In 2021, staff is working on the backlog 

of their regularly assigned duties, therefore, it is necessary to add a Program Manager II for 18 months to 

manage this funding. 

This position is a direct program cost and will be paid from the funding received. The position will also 

continue to coordinate spending plans with Clark County Public Health and the Department of community 

Services to ensure Clark County is receiving the appropriate, highest level use of funding received. 

Responsibilities will include federal grant reporting and compliance.

Performance Report

The COVID-19 pandemic has put significant pressure on the Clark County Homeless Crisis Response 

System (HCRS), increasing visible unsheltered homelessness while at the same time making provision of 

homeless outreach services more difficult, increasing housing stabilization costs, increasing the amount 

of time persons are in need of services, and reducing available housing in the rental market. The upcoming 

end to the Governor’s eviction moratorium is expected to add to these pressures. Though significant rent 

and utility assistance funding is in the process of being distributed throughout the county, it 

overwhelmingly targets households who have housing and owe rent. 

During this time however, funding for homeless services has not significantly increased. To allow the Clark 

County HCRS to respond to the existing homeless crisis, Community Services requests $15,500,000 in onetime funding from the received American Rescue Plan funding for the purpose of increasing the capacity 

of the HCRS through 12/31/24 in the following ways: $4,400,000 to increase the size, availability, 

coordination, and supports provided by homeless outreach teams in Clark County for a period of 2 years 

as well as provide flexible funds to be available for homeless outreach teams to provide housing barrier 

removal services, permanent housing placement support (such as move-in costs) and essential services 

that promote health and safety. $800,000 for motel vouchers to increase indoor shelter bed capacity in 

the county along with increased staffing and operations support necessary to maintain adequate services 

for people sheltered in motels. $5,000,000 for increased congregate and non-congregate shelters, support 

for shelters, and mitigation of increased permanent supportive housing costs for chronically homeless 

persons. $300,000 for continued rental and housing supports for unhoused persons currently enrolled in 

a Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) pilot for which funding is currently slated to end on 06/30/21. 

$2,500,000 for additional rent assistance and housing support for existing rapid rehousing programs that 

serve persons currently experiencing homelessness. $2,500,000 for additional housing and support costs 

for existing permanent supportive housing programs. The above amounts and service categories are 

estimates. Community Services requests council approval to adjust the amount of funds in each service 

category if higher priorities arise.
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 18

Goals: 

Community Services will utilize the American Rescue Plan funding for the purpose of supporting the 

Homeless Crisis Response System (HCRS) in its response to increased unsheltered homelessness and 

expand services to disproportionately impacted communities. Service providers are contracted to take 

active steps to help their programs become more culturally competent, increase cultural awareness, and 

improve delivery of services to historically underserved communities in Clark County. Historically 

underserved communities include but are not limited to: Native Americans, Hispanic/Latin(x), African 

Americans, Pacific Islanders, LGBTQ community, and other under-represented communities of color. 

Examples of active steps furthering this effort include but are not limited to: increasing representation of 

underserved communities on agency governing boards; forming advisory committees with members of 

underserved communities to assist in culturally appropriate delivery of services; incorporating formal 

collaboration with culturally specific organizations in program design. 

Awareness: 

Clark County has partnered with local homeless services providers to engage eligible participants and 

connect them to program interventions via the coordinated entry system, outreach efforts, and the 

Housing Solution Center hotline. The coordinated entry system provides access to the most appropriate 

housing to households experiencing homelessness through a standardized assessment and referral 

process. In Clark County, the coordinated entry system is known as the Housing Solutions Center. The 

Housing Solution Center is the hub of all homeless outreach and engagement activity. Individuals and 

families can contact the Housing Solution Center Hotline to learn about available shelter and housing 

assistance in Clark County. Local service providers provide outreach to individuals in encampments, 

streets, parks, and other locations as needed and connect to the coordinated entry system. Clark County 

is also frequently engaging with By and For agencies to obtain feedback on how to better engage and 

serve diverse populations. 

Access and Distribution: 

Prior to 2020, Clark County used a nationally-utilized assessment to measure vulnerability. In January 

2020, service providers began to utilize the Clark County Assessment Tool, a localized vulnerability 

assessment tool that was collaboratively developed with housing partners, people experiencing 

homelessness, and culturally specific partners. The intention of the Clark County Assessment Tool is to 

match the most vulnerable in our local community to housing programs and decrease inequities among 

program participants. The adoption of the Clark County Assessment Tool resulted in a reduction of the 

gap between people who are Caucasian and populations of color entering into housing programs. 

Outcomes: 

Clark County reviews data derived from the Homeless Management Information System to identify 

opportunities to increase equitable policies and procedures. Program adjustments are made to meet the 

needs of the most vulnerable and underserved populations. The Housing Solution Center tracks program 

demographic data and publishes an annual racial equity report. Clark County partners with local service 

providers and ensures that the implementation of cultural competency and appropriate accommodations 

for program participants across demographic differences. Program staff review provider’s policies and 

procedures to ensure equity across all programs. System performance measures such as unsheltered 

entries, length of stay in program, program utilization rate, time from program entry to housing, percent 

successful exits to permanent housing, and percent of program participants returning to homelessness 
[Clark County, Washington] 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 19

are tracked and reported on in a system dashboard, which can be publicly accessed at 

https://www.councilforthehomeless.org/system-dashboard/.

Use of Evidence 

Clark County will utilize $15.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds to increase capacity for our local 

Homeless Crisis Response System. All interventions funded are recognized as evidence-based best 

practices in addressing homelessness by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the U.S. Department 

of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Clark County will 

distribute $4.4 million for outreach services, $5 million to increase shelters capacity, $800,000 for motel 

vouchers, $2.5 million for rapid rehousing services, and $2.5 million for Permanent Supportive Housing 

services. Clark County partners with the following local homeless service providers for program 

implementation: Council for the Homeless, Share, Vancouver Housing Authority, Impact Northwest, 

Lifeline Connections, Janus Youth, Second Step Housing, Sea Mar Community Services, Catholic 

Community Services, and YWCA. 

Ineligible Activities: Tax Offset Provision (States and territories only)

Item Amount

a. Revenue-reducing Covered Changes $0

Not applicable at this time.