Survey reveals US cities’ stimulus spending priorities

A new survey finds that local government priorities for the newly passed COVID-19 relief funds are public health safety measures, purchasing PPE and covering payroll. This is roughly in line with how 2020 support packages have been used but new trends for future spending have also emerged.

CivicPulse, a non-profit local government research organisation, surveyed 494 elected policymakers and appointed officials from counties, cities and townships across the United States in January and February 2021 to understand the current status of relief funding, how funds had been used so far, and where additional funds would be spent once passed.

The results shed light on how cities are likely to ...