pages: CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf, 14
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2020-04-21 | 14 | assistance to businesses; stated Alameda Point money can only be sent to businesses within Alameda Point; businesses are spread out throughout the rest of the City; inquired whether there is a possibility of targeting businesses in specific areas, such as Park Street, South Shore, and Webster Street excluding Alameda Landing; there are limited dollars and Council needs to make difficult decisions about efficient funding; expressed support for the concept of small business funding. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification about whether the inquiry is directed at the pros and cons of geographic targeting, to which Councilmember Daysog responded in the affirmative. The Economic Development Manager stated staff finds importance in ensuring business districts are viable when the pandemic is over; staff has considered geographic targeting and will readily accept Council direction. Councilmember Vella inquired how members of the business community would receive information if they are not associated with traditional business associations; and whether the money could apply to preschools or daycare facilities. The Economic Development Manager responded the funding will apply to all small businesses; stated staff is going to send out the information to a wide array of businesses; there is a separate list for child care businesses that will receive the informational notice; all small businesses will be receive information. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired the reason behind sending the information to large businesses which may be ineligible to receive funding, to which the Economic Development Manager responded the community talks to each other and many businesses encourage each other to apply for funding through a network. Councilmember Vella expressed support for the item; inquired whether there are other potential funding sources being looked at for future opportunities Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she has submitted a Council Referral for the next meeting; noted a community member has discussed exploring the idea of creating a tax exempt special fund to provide gap resources to be matched with grants or philanthropic donations to local businesses, renters and other local organizations that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. The City Attorney stated for items generally related to the agenda item, Council is authorized to give brief staff direction without significant deliberation; the issue is related, but not agendized; staff recommends to provide brief direction to staff to bring an item to Council for consideration and action. Councilmember Vella inquired whether other grants could be looked at by staff members as well; stated this is a great start and she would like to see if other options exist. Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 4 | CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf |