ARPA Case Study: New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell Expands Access to Early Childhood Education
Idea Category: American Rescue Plan Act, Education, Funding | Funding Source: American Rescue Plan
In late 2023, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, alongside city and state officials, celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for the new NorthStar Early Learning Academy, scheduled to open in 2025, to provide more affordable and accessible early education services to over 130 children.
“The NorthStar’s new early childhood education center will offer lasting impacts on children and parents alike,” said Mitchell. “Not only will better access to childcare keep more parents in the workplace, but expanded early education programming will help more children be better prepared to start kindergarten.”
Originally conceived as a need in 2017, but unable to move forward without additional financial assistance, Mitchell infused the NorthStar project with $2.5 in ARPA funds to accelerate the projects and leverage additional funding from a mix of private and public entities. When completed, the new facility will also have a commercial kitchen to promote healthy food habits, and will be used as a community gathering place for meetings and other events on evenings and weekends.
Mitchell has made a concerted effort to invest in families and ensure they are able to participate in a local economy. In addition to other investments of ARPA funds to grow small businesses, this investment in early childhood education will help parents participate in the workforce and will benefit the long-term economic well-being, and social health of the community.
More Idea’s From Jon Mitchell
Mayor Jon Mitchell Highlights New Bedford’s Offshore Wind Industry Hub
Idea Category: Clean Energy, Environment, Workforce | Funding Source: ARP
Mayor Cavalier Johnson Sheds Lights on the Impact of His Vision Zero Initiative in Milwaukee
Idea Category: Public Safety | Funding Source: ARP
Mayor Cavalier Johnson Spearheads Initiative to Address Food Deserts Through City Development Grant
Idea Category: Community Development, Funding, Small Business | Funding Source: ARP
Mayor Cavalier Johnson Introduces New Grant That Provides Help To Struggling Grocery Stores Owners
Idea Category: Building & Development, Funding, Small Business | Funding Source: ARP
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell’s Vacant Property Initiative
Idea Category: Housing | Funding Source: ARP
Vacant Property Initiative
Idea Category: 2025 Ideas Challenge, Building & Development, Economic Opportunity & Affordability | Funding Source: ARP
STAND for Safer Streets Plan
Idea Category: 2025 Ideas Challenge, Improving Quality of Life | Funding Source: ARP
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson Renovates “Forever Affordable” Homes
Idea Category: Housing | Funding Source: ARP
Massachusetts Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll and New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell Celebrate the Completion of the South Coast Rail Project
Idea Category: Transportation | Funding Source: ARP
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s Plan on Building More Middle-Income “Workforce Housing”
Idea Category: Housing | Funding Source: ARP
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell Announced Zoning Reforms to Increase Housing Supply
Idea Category: Housing | Funding Source: ARP
Bexar County District Court Judge Monique Diaz: Survivors of Domestic Violence
Idea Category: Criminal Justice, Public Safety | Funding Source: ARP
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson launched the Homes MKE initiative
Idea Category: Housing | Funding Source: ARP
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION – Texas: Bexar County District Court Judge Monique Diaz
Idea Category: Criminal Justice | Funding Source: ARP
ARPA: New Bedford Supporting the Arts and Culture Sector
Idea Category: Equity & Opportunity, Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP
ARPA: New Bedford Expanding Access to High Quality Child Care
Idea Category: Child Care | Funding Source: ARP
ARP: New Bedford MA, Invests in Small Businesses
Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP
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