HomeMy Public PortalAbout10) 7F - Economic Recovery PlanMANAGEMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 7, 2020
TO: The Honorable City Council
FROM: Bryan Cook, City Manager
By: Brian Haworth, Assistant to the City Manager
By: Scott Reimers, Interim Community Development Director
SUBJECT: COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council is requested to approve a COVID-19 economic recovery plan.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
1.Since March, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the local economy as
stay-at-home and related mandates have ceased or significantly impacted operations
for most Temple City businesses. Many residents have also reported unemployment
and lost wages.
2.As the economy begins to slowly reopen, it is apparent that most Temple City
businesses will need financial assistance and other incentives to remain viable in a
post-COVID-19 economy. Meanwhile, the latest statistics show a 20.3%
unemployment rate for Los Angeles County. This staggering figure confirms local
reports of high employment and financial hardship for many community members.
3.In response to these concerns, Council recently reviewed a draft economic recovery
plan comprised of four components: financial assistance, technical assistance,
business-friendly policies, and marketing (Attachment A). Staff was directed to
present a final plan for Council approval on July 6, 2020, with consideration to the
following:
•A more synergistic role for the Temple City Chamber of Commerce; and
•Regularly mailed correspondence to business owners announcing available
assistance and resources (e.g. guidance on health order compliance).
City Council
July 7, 2020
Page 2 of 2
4.Attachment B provides a redlined version of the plan, which incorporates the
requested considerations and other minor changes. Should Council approve this
version, the plan takes effect on July 8, 2020, for a 90-day implementation period.
Monthly progress reports will be provided as consent calendar items.
CITY STRATEGIC GOAL:
The recommended action contained in this report aligns with Strategic Plan priorities of
economic development and good governance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the requested Council action. All costs related
to plan implementation can be absorbed by the City’s operating budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
A.June 16, 2020 Staff Report and Draft Economic Recovery Plan
B.Final Economic Recovery Plan (redlined)
MANAGEMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 16, 2020
TO: The Honorable City Council
FROM: Bryan Cook, City Manager
By: Brian Haworth, Assistant to the City Manager
By: Scott Reimers, Interim Community Development Director
SUBJECT: COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council is requested to:
1. Review and provide input on a draft COVID-19 economic recovery plan; and
2. Direct staff to return with a final plan for Council approval on July 7, 2020.
BACKGROUND:
Since March, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the local economy as stay-
at-home and related mandates have ceased or significantly impacted operations for most
Temple City businesses. Many residents have also reported unemployment and lost
wages due to COVID-19.
As the economy begins to recover, it is apparent that many Temple City businesses will
need financial assistance and other incentives to open and adjust operations for viability in
a post-COVID-19 economy. The attached document meets this need by providing a
recommended recovery plan focused on the local business community; it also proposes
an assistance program for residents financially impacted by COVID-19.
ANALYSIS:
Council is requested to review and provide input on a draft economic recovery plan that
will primarily support Temple City businesses as they reopen and adjust to commercial
AGENDA
ITEM 10.A.
City Council
June 17, 2020
Page 2 of 3
regulations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As detailed in the attached document and
summarized below, the draft plan focuses on four key components within a 90-day
implementation period.
1.Financial Assistance: Tonight the Council is considering the use of the
federal CARES Act funds (provided as CDBG funds). City Council can also
consider the temporary waiving or deferral of specific city business licensing
and permitting fees to lessen costs and simplify requirements for new or
reopening businesses.
2.Technical Assistance: Given the nuances and availability of various (external)
assistance programs, staff is recommending a point-of-contact—or ombudsman—
for the Temple City business community. This person, usually employed by a small
business development center or regional economic development agency, can help
local business owners navigate available programs, answer business-related
questions, and provide information on new resources. Staff is also recommending
roundtable discussions and a survey of the business community to better
understand the local economic climate, and to identify additional business needs for
further consideration.
3.Business-Friendly Policies: Restaurants comprise a large segment of Temple
City’s business community. Staff is suggesting immediate policy changes to
provide temporary loading zones for food pick-up and delivery, as well as the
easing of outdoor dining restrictions to help with social distancing requirements. A
one-year extension of planning entitlements is also recommended to complement
the City’s already expedited reviews for banner requests, business licenses, and
building plans.
4.Marketing: Given reach and cost-effectiveness, the City’s social media accounts
should be used to help publicize local business promotions and discounts. It is also
suggested that the City promote the business community through a sponsored event
(e.g. restaurant tour or long table event), and consider new marketing initiatives or
promotions based on business community roundtable discussions and survey
findings.
Upon Council review of the draft recovery plan, staff will revise the document for Council
approval on July 7, 2020. Implementation will begin soon thereafter.
CITY STRATEGIC GOAL:
Actions contained in this report align with the strategic goals of economic development
and good governance.
City Council
June 17, 2020
Page 3 of 3
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the requested Council actions. Costs related to
the recommended initiatives are minor and will not impact the City’s proposed operating
budget for fiscal year 2020-21.
ATTACHMENT:
A. Draft Economic Recovery Plan
COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Rev. 05/28/2020
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
30 days:1.Allocate CDBG/CARE funding for rental and/or business assistance.
2.Waive fees on business banner permits.
3.Consider an ordinance capping delivery service commissions.
60 days:4.Finalize and publicize CDBG/CARE assistance programs.
5.Fund CDBG/CARE assistance requests.
90 days:6.Evaluate amendments to CDBG/CARE assistance programs.
-applies to financial and programmatic considerations
7. Enact business license waivers and deferrals.
- waive business license penalty fees; provide amnesty if needed
- waive required background checks on certain business types
- defer business license renewals (and payment) by three months
Ongoing:8.Continue to update City’s coronavirus webpage with additional resources.
9.Identify and pursue available funding opportunities, if feasible.
10.Anticipate further direction on eviction moratorium.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
30 days: 11.Formalize ombudsman (LAEDC/SGVEP/SBDC point-of-contact)
- publicize available assistance
12.Conduct focus groups on business needs.
- developers, restaurant/retail, personal services, major property owners
60 days:13.Issue survey on TC business needs.
14.Present findings and recommended actions for Council review.
15.Finalize Chamber of Commerce FY 2020-21 scope of service.
90 days:16.Program and implement key survey findings.
Ongoing:17.Publicize guidelines for business reopenings.
BUSINESS-FRIENDLY POLICIES
30 days: 18. Provide restaurants with temporary loading zones for food pick-up and delivery.
- applies to restaurants adjacent to street right-of-way
- excludes restaurants in shopping centers
19.Ease outdoor dining restrictions for restaurants.
- promote sidewalk dining; inform on application process
-issue temporary use permits for restaurants using private parking stalls
ATTACHMENT "A"
COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Rev. 05/28/2020
60 days: 20. Extend planning entitlements for one year.
(a process is already in place for building permits)
Ongoing: 21. Continue expedited planning reviews.
- same-day approvals on banner requests
- two-day business license reviews
- 10 working days for building plan reviews
22. Consider necessary code changes.
MARKETING & PUBLIC INFORMATION
30 days: 23. Launch a social media campaign publicizing open businesses and promotions.
90 days: 24. Formalize a marketing program based on focus group and survey findings.
- implement within a 120-day period
- consider sponsorship of a restaurant tour or long-table event
Ongoing: 25. Maintain proactive public information efforts.
- focus on digital media for cost and reach effectiveness
COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
effective July 8, 2020
Rev. 06/25/2020
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
30 days: 1. Allocate CDBG/CARE funding for rental and/or business
assistance.
2. Waive fees on business banner permits.
3. Consider an ordinance capping delivery service commissions.
^^ REMOVED; City Attorney to monitor the legal outcome of similar ordinances.
60 days: 4. Finalize and publicize CDBG/CARE assistance programs.
5. Fund CDBG/CARE assistance requests.
90 days: 6. Evaluate amendments to CDBG/CARE assistance programs.
- applies to financial and programmatic considerations
7. Enact business license waivers and deferrals.
- waive business license penalty fees; provide amnesty if needed
- waive required background checks on certain business types
- defer business license renewals (and payment) by three months
Ongoing: 8. Continue to update City’s coronavirus webpage with additional resources.
9. Identify and pursue available funding opportunities, if feasible.
10. Anticipate further direction on eviction moratorium.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
30 days: 11. Finalize Chamber of Commerce FY 2020-21 scope of service.
- align scope of service to economic recovery plan initiatives
^^ REVISED: Shortened timeline by 15 days for contractual/synergistic alignment.
45 days: 12. Formalize business ombudsman.
^^ REVISED: Lengthened timeline by 15 days to accommodate Chamber’s new
contract scope and possible involvement with ombudsman services.
13. Conduct focus groups on business needs.
- i.e. developers, restaurant/retail, personal services, major property owners
60 days: 14. Issue survey on TC business needs.
15. Present findings and recommended actions for Council review.
90 days: 16. Program and implement key survey findings.
Ongoing: 17. Publicize available assistance to the business community.
- e.g. new programs, health order compliance, designated liaison
- disseminate regular updates via mail, social media and other means
^^ REVISED: Expanded examples; added provision for updates via regular mail.
ATTACHMENT B
COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
page 2 of 2
Rev. 06/25/2020
BUSINESS-FRIENDLY POLICIES
30 days: 18. Extend planning entitlements for one year.
(a process is already in place for building permits)
^^ REVISED: Shortened timeline from 60 to 30 days; initiative is underway.
19. Provide restaurants with temporary loading zones for food pick-up and delivery.
- applies to restaurants adjacent to street right-of-way
- excludes restaurants in shopping centers
20. Ease outdoor dining restrictions for restaurants.
- promote sidewalk dining; inform on application process
- issue temporary use permits for restaurants using private parking stalls
Ongoing: 21. Continue expedited planning reviews.
- same-day approvals on banner requests
- two-day business license reviews
- 10 working days for building plan reviews
22. Consider necessary code changes.
MARKETING
30 days: 23. Launch a social media campaign publicizing open businesses and promotions.
90 days: 24. Formalize a marketing program based on focus group and survey findings.
- implement within 30 days a 120-day period
^^ REVISED: Corrects an initial typo.
- consider sponsorship of a restaurant tour or long-table event
Ongoing: 25. Maintain proactive public information efforts.
- focus on digital media for cost and reach effectiveness