A new multiyear study by the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at The New School has identified Dallas as a leader in using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to promote equity. Dallas ranked in the top third of 170 U.S. cities and counties evaluated by the Institute’s Budget Equity Project, which examined how local governments are investing ARPA recovery funds to support racial and economic equity.
ARPA provided $130 billion in flexible funding to aid pandemic relief and make transformational investments. The Biden-Harris administration prioritized equity, directing resources to communities of color, Tribal communities, and low-income groups disproportionately affected by the pandemic and systemic inequities.
One notable Dallas project was the Eviction Assistance Initiative (EAI), which provided critical support to tenants impacted by COVID-19. Through legal assistance, education, and training, EAI helped prevent evictions and fostered housing stability.
“The Eviction Assistance Initiative was a tremendous feat for the City of Dallas,” said Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Bazaldua. “I’m incredibly grateful for our community partners, city staff, and the National League of Cities for their collaboration in making this initiative a reality.”
The Institute’s ARPA Equity Assessment evaluated performance across six dimensions, including community engagement, labor practices, and investment transparency. Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Dallas’ Director of Equity and Inclusion, noted, “Many of the Institute’s assessment dimensions align with the framework that the City has been using to operationalize equity in our decision-making process.”
The study, led by economist Dr. Darrick Hamilton, provides insight into how local governments are utilizing ARPA funds to address historical inequalities. “Our study shows the positive impact of flexible federal recovery funds when anchored by clear equity guidelines,” said Sarah Treuhaft, co-author of the report and Director of the Institute’s Budget Equity Project.
Dallas' efforts, highlighted in the report Advancing Equity with the American Rescue Plan’s Local Recovery Funds, underscore the city's commitment to using ARPA funds to drive transformative change.
