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File Number: 22-280 Assistance included the establishment of various programs, including residential and commercial eviction moratoriums, a delivery fee cap, a Keeping it Local San Leandro shop local program and gift cards, and ongoing information sharing and technical assistance. Over 2020 and 2021, approximately $1.68 million in City, County and Federally-funded grants were distributed to over 335 businesses. The COVID-19 Relief Temporary Outdoor Facilities Program ("Temporary Facilities Program”) was created to allow for restaurants and other businesses to have expanded operations outdoors in ways that may not otherwise be permitted on a permanent basis. The Temporary Facilities Program was created by a Declaration of the City Manager as the Director of Emergency Services suspending enforcement of certain permit, approval and zoning and encroachment requirements. The Temporary Facilities Program created a streamlined, no-cost outdoor facilities process to assist impacted businesses operate outdoors and in conformance with safety regulations. To participate in the program, businesses were required to agree to program terms and operational practices, but no site plans or materials details were required. By summer of 2021, over 35 businesses had begun outdoor operations under this program. Many businesses reported that being able to conduct services outdoors was crucial to their survival. As businesses have been allowed to return to normal operations and more customers are comfortable eating indoors, a number of businesses have removed their temporary facilities over time. Today, approximately 7 businesses continue to operate outdoor facilities under the program. In November 2021, the City Council approved the allocation of $750,000 for Commercial Relief Grants, which included Rent Relief Grants. The Economic Development Division performed extensive outreach and training for the Rent Relief Grants and were able to distribute approximately $372,140 in grants to 32 businesses to provide up to $15,000 for unpaid back rent. In order to support businesses in their recovery and growth, the City Economic Development staff provided businesses 5 hours of business training in multiple languages and resource information going forward. The program achieved high participation among San Leandro’s disadvantaged communities. Among the highlights are: ·32% of grantees indicated that they spoke a language other than English at home. An additional 23% were from bilingual households. ·84% of grantees indicated that they were from a non-White race/ ethnic group. ·Women grantees represented 66% of those who provided their gender information in their application. Analysis At this time, staff proposes to utilize the remaining ARPA funds allocated for Commercial Relief Grants, which is approximately $377,860, for the establishment of a Business Facilities Grant program. Staff also proposes to phase out the Temporary Outdoor Facilities Program and assist businesses to make their outdoor facilities permanent. Business Facilities Grant Program The goal of the Business Facilities Grant program is to assist businesses to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic by making investments in their properties that improve or adapt their operations, implement safety and security measures and/or make aesthetic repairs and improvements. Many businesses Page 2 City of San Leandro Printed on 10/13/2022