YOUNGSTOWN Youngstown residents are invited to a town hall meeting tonight to get an update on how the city is spending its federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.

The event, hosted by First Ward City Councilman Julius Oliver, will take place tonight, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at 6 p.m. The event will be held at the DeYor Performing Arts Center, located within the Ford Recital Hall.

The meeting is designed to inform citizens about the status of the $82.7 million the city received from the federal government. Attendees will hear from city council members and department leaders. Citizens will also have a chance to ask questions.

On his Facebook page, Councilman Oliver says the meeting will help clear up claims that the city has nothing to show for its ARPA spending.

“Give myself and my colleagues the opportunity to be open and honest with you so you no longer have to listen to the rumors and what people who don’t even come to the meetings, nor the neighborhood associations are lying to you about. We have receipts,” said Oliver.

A special committee was previously set up to recommend priorities for investing the money. These priorities include improving housing, removing abandoned buildings, and funding parks and youth programs.

As of the end of 2024, the city had spent more than $35 million of the ARPA funds. Over $27.5 million was set aside for Neighborhood and Economic Development, which includes projects like a new Housing Strategy and a Homeownership Program.