NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — ​Niagara Falls is set to receive $57 million through the American Rescue Plan. Now, city leaders are asking the community where that money should go.

During a public forum, people had a chance to make their voices heard, with many calling for improving the quality of the neighborhoods.

Other spoke about support for families, such a child card, workforce development, mental health care and housing.

One man spoke about the need to address vacant properties in the city.

“It shows me two things,” he said. “It shows us blight, the eyesores of our city, but it also shows homelessness to me because there are 10-12 people, around that number that I see go in and out of this house every day.”

The use of funds must meet criteria established by President Joe Biden’s executive order, advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities.

If you were unable to attend Thursday night’s forum, you can watch it at www.facebook.com/NOAHNiagara.