Title
Recommendation to Create an Alameda Strong Community Relief Fund to Provide Grants or Other Types of Relief to Small Businesses, Non-profits and Residential Renters that have been Negatively Financially Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. (Community Development 256)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted scores of businesses in Alameda. City Council directed staff to create a public-private community relief fund to assist small businesses, non-profits, and residential renters. Staff proposes creating an Alameda Strong Community Relief Fund in partnership with the City of Alameda's (City) business associations. The total amount of grants will be based on the funds raised. City Council can approve staff's proposal, make changes or provide staff additional direction.
BACKGROUND
On April 21, 2020, the City Council approved a $600,000 COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Program. City Council expressed concern that the demand, and need, would far outstrip the funds available and asked staff to provide an update at its next meeting. In addition, City Council also directed staff to create a special public-private partnership-soliciting donations from local residents, private entities, and foundations to supplement the Small Business Relief Grant Program.
The Relief Grant Program will fund approximately 80 one-time grants of $7,500 each, and provide immediate financial help to local small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant program began accepting applications on Monday, April 27, 2020. The application period closed on May 7, 2020. A total of 238 applications were received. A general summary of the applications received is attached as Exhibit 1. Staff is currently reviewing the applications received and anticipates completing its review process by May 21, 2020. Grant awards will then be mailed out shortly thereafter.
On May 5, 2020, staff provided an ...
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