Submitted by: Patrick Paschall
Submitting Department: Finance
Agenda Section: Discussion
Item Title:
title
Business Emergency Relief - ARPA
end
Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move the Mayor and Council allocate $1,000,000 for business emergency relief programs, authorizing an amount NTE $25,000 per business, provided that businesses that are in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, establish pandemic-related negative economic consequences eligible for relief under the American Rescue Plan Act, and are located in the City of Hyattsville. Program funds will be allocated into two programs:
1. $900,000 for general emergency relief needs of Hyattsville businesses, authorizing up to $25,000 per business (criteria to be developed).
2. $100,000 for a permit expediting program.
end
Summary Background:
The City of Hyattsville has been awarded $17.9 million under the American Rescue Plan Act, which is intended to be used for reinvestment back into our community focusing both on immediate pandemic-related needs of our community and addressing structural barriers that were exacerbated during the pandemic.
The City has conducted an extensive outreach process to hear from the community about pandemic-related emergency relief needs, in an effort to tailor relief programs to the needs of our community. Through our public engagement process, we heard from over 400 unique individuals provide feedback via community listening sessions, an online feedback form, paper requests for feedback mailed to each home, and other outreach methods.
Businesses have experienced many pandemic-related harms, ranging from loss of revenue to increased costs to manage COVID-19 mitigation. The general relief program will allow businesses to establish the way they have experienced pandemic-related harm and apply for relief funds of up to $25,000 per business.
Businesses have also reported a significant delay in processing permit applications with the County for things like expanding outdoor dining, renovating existing properties, and opening or expanding businesses. The City’s permit expediting program will identify qualified permit expediting services and connect applicants to the vendor, as well as pay for the expediting service, helping businesses process permit applications and move business operations forward months faster than if they were to do so without expediting services.
Both business relief programs will be operated by City staff.
Next Steps:
The City recently hired a Small Business Recovery Coordinator who will primarily implement these programs. After allocation and hiring, staff will begin to develop applications, eligibility criteria, and audit documentation. Once criteria is approved, we will make applications to be available. Goal is Spring 2022
Fiscal Impact:
$1,000,000 paid for using American Rescue Plan Act Funds.
City Administrator Comments:
Recommends approval
Community Engagement:
An extensive community engagement process has been undertaken to gather information about community business needs. This program will include further direct engagement with businesses as program staff works to assist individuals with application submissions.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 2 - Ensure the Long-Term Economic Viability of the City
Legal Review Required?
N/A