Mayor Steinberg, Council members announce aid for those hit by COVID-19
Sacramento, Calif. (Thursday, March 12) – Mayor Darrell Steinberg and members of the Sacramento City Council Thursday announced emergency measures to help businesses and residents affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
They also announced that the Council would meet in closed session later Thursday and hold a special meeting Friday, March 12 at 1 p.m. to vote on the measures. That meeting will be livestreamed but closed to the public due to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new guidance regarding large gatherings.
“This is a difficult and stressful time, and I think we should all acknowledge that,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “But we must remain calm and not panic. We are a strong, resilient city and we will get through this together. Together is the key word. I promise you, we will get through this.”
The measures are as follows:
Cancellation of permits for special events with more than 250 people. Fees will be refunded.
Passage of an emergency declaration that will help businesses and residents process insurance claims and prohibit evictions for economically affected renters and businesses.
Establishment of a $1 million-economic relief package for small local businesses such as restaurants, retail, and day care providers that have been affected by the coronavirus. This will come in the form of zero interest loans of up to $25,000 based on demonstrated need. We will also develop a small business hotline for this purpose.
Free metered parking from 4:30 p.m. onward for up to 30 days with all other enforcement still applied, similar to what the city has done for parking holidays.
If schools do close, the city will work with school districts to assure there are places where children and families can get the food they need. The city will work with our libraries specifically as potential meal provider locations.
Prohibit evictions for economically impacted renters.
Homeless aid strategies will include up to $250,000 to purchase and distribute emergency sanitation and cleaning supplies.
Help acquire and distribute emergency sanitation and cleaning supplies to impacted businesses.
The Sacramento Central Labor Council has volunteered to help people navigate the unemployment process for impacted workers, and the city will work with the them to make that information available as well as the Governor’s direction to assist workers with: paid family leave, disability insurance, unemployment insurance, paid sick leave, and workers compensation.
