NCLM.ORG 15 • Invest in in long-term needs of the town now, while still reserving funds for future needs • Allow for citizens to participate in the process through the boards and committees The ARP money is spread across town. It won’t be evident in just one or even two large projects. Rather, Lewisville will be investing in new and ongoing projects that fit within Lewisville’s comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of residents and a growing community. It’s a testament to the town’s planning and financial stability. The American Rescue Plan dollars will address the town’s current needs and support the town’s vision for the future. For its first round of investments, Lewisville looked primarily to support transportation and public spaces that are central components of Lewisville’s network of community spaces. “To maintain and grow a sense of community, you have to have spaces where residents can come together,” said Horn. “Our investment in parks, programs and events, particularly at our town’s centerpiece facility Shallowford Square, has created a welcoming atmosphere you can only find in small-town America. “I think all of us look at this funding as an opportunity to do things sooner rather than later for our residents,” said Horn. “Eventually, we would do a lot of these projects, but it would be stretched over a longer period of time. We’ve been able to accelerate our schedule.” The American Rescue Plan in Action Looking ahead, and again due to the town’s already-achieved foundation, Lewisville was able to keep a portion of its ARP allotment available in 2023 for potential new ideas. The town will go about that process in a citizen-led way through its boards and committees. Led by residents volunteering their time, Lewisville will encourage these board and committee members to submit investment requests. This process aims to capture new ideas not already floating around Town Hall and to allow the citizens their say in the use of these once-in-a-generation funds. “In addition to the priorities established in our comprehensive plan, we ask our boards and committees to submit requests during our budget cycle for the things they want to do,” said Horn. “While we do this every year, the ARP will make additional money available to do those things.” Mayor Horn offers examples of the Public Safety Committee, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Board, Environmental Sustainability and Conservation Committee or Beautification Committee that may recommend additional resources or projects to enhance the safety and well-being of our residents. “We made a promise, to maintain Lewisville as the place you really want to come home to at the end of the day,” said Horn. “That’s what this council and the many councils before us have been doing. And that’s what we will continue to do.” Keep up to date on all of our ARP case studies on Here We Grow, at herewegrownc.org/case-studies. All of us look at this funding as an opportunity to do things sooner rather than later for our residents. We’ve been able to accelerate our schedule ... We made a promise to maintain Lewisville as the place you really want to come home to at the end of the day. That’s what we’ve been doing. And that's what we will continue to do. » Mike Horn, Mayor of Lewisville Mike Horn. Photo Courtesy of the Town of Lewisville. Shallowford Square. Photo Courtesy of the Town of Lewisville.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTY1NDIzOQ==