After pushing for billions in COVID relief, mayors take time spending federal dollars

Washington — In the face of waning revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation's mayors emerged as key fighters in congressional Democrats' corner as they pushed for billions of dollars in federal funds to be included in a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package signed into law in March.

The mayors, from both sides of the aisle, were ultimately successful in their efforts, as President Biden's sprawling coronavirus legislation, called the American Rescue Plan Act, contained $350 billion for state and local governments, many of which were left out of an earlier round of aid.

Now, seven months after Mr. Biden signed the $1.9 trillion package into law and five months after getting their first tranche of aid, mayors in some cities are taking their time to spend the money they received, instead waiting to examine the long-term impacts of the pandemic on their cities.