TITLE
Recommendation to review a report on the Coronavirus Economic Relief Package for Long Beach families and small businesses and provide input and policy direction to staff on economic relief strategies for working families and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 emergency, as more specifically detailed in such report. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On March 17, 2020, the City Council directed the City Manager to work with the City Attorney, and all relevant departments, to evaluate the feasibility of implementing an Economic Relief Package (Relief Package) for working families and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. As part of the Relief Package, the City Council requested specific feedback, best practice options, and strategies from staff in the following nine areas:
1. Review of sick and disability leave processes and enhancements for City employees, who must miss work due to COVID-19.
2. Explore Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), or other revenue sharing opportunities, to support hotels that experience a significant economic impact due to COVID-19.
3. Partner with financial institutions and lenders to prohibit foreclosures or halt mortgage payments for individuals who have suffered loss of wages as a result of COVID-19.
4. Streamline processes or resources through partnerships with the Economic Development Department to support workers laid off or impacted by COVID-19 and explore support for impacted workers not covered by unemployment benefits.
5. Explore emergency loan assistance programs to small businesses who have suffered significant loss, as a result of COVID-19.
6. Identify potential resources and partnerships to safely assist people under self-quarantine, due to COVID-19, with a priority on seniors.
7. Extend training opportunities in partnership with the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department on COVID-19 prevention to businesses in the tourism and restaurant industry.
8. Provide relief for laid-off or furloughed ...
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