he U.S. Department of the Treasury has released new guidance (PDF) on how communities should prepare to close out their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) awards.
Per statute, recipients must continue reporting on their SLFRF projects through 2027, even after funds are fully spent. However, Treasury has now introduced an early closeout option, a long-requested capability that NLC has consistently advocated for on behalf of municipalities nationwide.
As a reminder, closeout is not the same as being administratively closed in the reporting portal. Administrative closure occurs when a municipality misses a reporting deadline, and Treasury staff automatically lock the portal for that period. Past reporting portals cannot be reopened, but all reports are cumulative and continue forward.
National League of Cities
by Dante Moreno
October 2, 2025