TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing time-limited COVID-relief proposals for residential and business property owners, by various City Departments, including Development Services, Financial Management, Fire, and Public Works; under the direction of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On March 4, 2020, the City of Long Beach (City) declared local health and City emergencies to strengthen the City’s preparedness and ability to respond to COVID-19 pandemic. This was followed on March 16, 2020 by a "Safer at Home Order for Control of COVID-19" (Health Order) issued by the City’s Health Officer to enact protective measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. These actions have saved lives, but have also created significant economic hardships to many families, businesses, and government operations. On March 17, 2020, the City Council requested the City Manager to work with all relevant departments to evaluate the feasibility of implementing an economic relief package for working families and small businesses affected by COVID-19.
On April 14, 2020, staff from the Economic Development Department presented a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package to the City Council, which subsequently approved staff’s recommendations to implement many of the proposals in that package. At the meeting, on a separate agenda item, the City Council also directed the City Manager to work with appropriate City departments to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a temporary suspension of the Proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program (PRHIP) and business licensing renewal fees for residential rental property and commercial property owners impacted by COVID-19; and, to find additional financial relief or incentives at the local level for residential and commercial owners impacted by revenue loss due to COVID-19.
The Development Services, Financial Management, Fire, and Public Works Departments have each assessed their services, fees, and approval processes to identify ...
Click here for full text