Programs

Get the Latest Information on How American Rescue Plan Resources Can be Used to Advance Justice Goals

June 16, 2021

As state and local leaders consider how to spend funding available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the stakes are high. The federal stimulus provides nearly $1.9 trillion in relief to address the economic impacts of COVID-19, including $350 billion in flexible State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to meet local needs.

Many states and local communities are looking to use ARP resources to advance key justice-related goals. But it can be difficult to keep track of new ARP guidance released across multiple federal agencies. Communication across jurisdictions may be lacking, and state and local leaders often aren’t keyed into other communities’ plans to use ARP resources for similar purposes.

We have been compiling the latest information to help state and local leaders understand how ARP resources can be leveraged to support more effective and less costly approaches to public health and safety.

Our updated digital guide outlines need-to-know insights for state and local leaders about this opportunity to invest in criminal justice initiatives and rethink public safety.
Our recent virtual discussion with leading experts highlights ways that ARP funding can support collaborative crisis and early diversion responses to reduce criminal justice contact for people with behavioral health needs.

These resources show how ARP funding can be used to fundamentally transform our approach to safety and justice. For example, states and local communities can invest in:

Community-based health programs and services that promote equity and provide alternatives to incarceration
Comprehensive and culturally specific supports for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors
Services that help people live and take part in the community, such as peer support services, intensive case management, and supported employment
Stable housing—a fundamental part of successful reentry—through emergency shelter grants, construction of affordable housing, and the purchase of new shelter spaces for people experiencing homelessness.

And that’s just the beginning.

We encourage people to check back regularly; the resource will continue to be updated as more guidance is issued. The CSG Justice Center will also continue to release additional resources like case studies, webinars, and informational articles to help states and local communities effectively apply ARP resources to advance key safety and justice priorities.

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About the Author

Marshall Clement

Interim Director

Marshall Clement serves as the Interim Director of the CSG Justice Center, providing strategic leadership to advance the organization’s mission of strengthening public safety, improving justice systems, and supporting state and local leaders nationwide. For 20 years at the CSG

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Justice Center, Marshall has played a key role in shaping many of the organization's impactful initiatives. As Director of the State Initiatives Division, he led the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, partnering with policymakers in 27 states to develop data-driven policies that reduce corrections spending, lower recidivism, and enhance public safety. His expertise in criminal justice policy, data analysis, and bipartisan collaboration has helped inform policy and practice changes across the country. Throughout his career, Marshall has facilitated high-level policy discussions, worked closely with governors, legislators, and justice system leaders, and testified before legislative committees to drive evidence-based solutions. His commitment to trusted data, practical policy, and meaningful partnerships continues to guide the CSG Justice Center as it works to be the most trusted, useful, and impactful partner for state and local leaders working on advancing safety and justice. Marshall holds a BA in Public Policy with honors from Brown University.