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architect, the department replaced the position with a city planner position. A new hire will start on December 13''. Director Leininger reviewed and discussed the 2021 Major Projects & Initiatives work plan and work program. He reported that most items on the work plan were completed or started in 2021. At any given time, there are approximately 85 ongoing projects. He identified board and commission management as a core service of the department and highlighted that the department supports over 40 different boards, commissions, task forces, etc., including many outside City Hall. Pandemic Response Director Leininger presented the department's role in COVID response in 2021. He credited the City's partnership with Lakewood Alive and Lakewood Community Services Center. He reported that 1,400 residents received approximately $1.4 million in rental assistance and 227 small businesses received nearly $1 million is assistance. He reported that there remains $21,000 in funds available for businesses and a few thousand dollars left for resident assistance. Businesses are limited to $7,000 in assistance. Director Leininger explained the parameters for residential rent assistance. In response to a question, Director Leininger reported that anecdotally, the assistance has been well-received, needed, and necessary, and in some cases critical_ Councilmember Kepple asked for additional information on the impact of the funds, particularly the funds that were issued earliest. Director Leininger reported on the use of the $1.6 million in ARPA funds that were allocated by Council in July. Nearly one-third of those funds have been expended assisting 423 residents (242 total grants). In response to a question, Director Leininger explained that ARPA funds need to be allocated by 2024 and spent by 2026. 2021 Review Director Leininger and the committee discussed key projects in 2021 including: • Downtown Development • reimagining Clifton Prado Park • Kauffman Park • EV Charger installation • Rosewood art mural at Wagar Park; and the following: Detroit-Sloane Intersection Improvements Director Leininger spoke about the department's work to reimagine the Detroit-Sloane intersection to better connect the intersection to Rocky River and the Metroparks, to improve pedestrian safety and to create stormwater improvements. This project is expected to be complete in December. A potential ribbon cutting is planned for the spring. Traffic detours are starting to end. Director Leininger reported that a public art installation was originally planned but was unable to move forward. Once the project is complete, the department will revisit a new public art plan for the intersection. 5