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CC - (1) Discussion of Proposed Culver City Economic Recovery Task Force to Mitigate Impacts Related to COVID-19; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate.
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Meeting Date: May 11, 2020
Contact Person/Dept: Elaine Warner/CDD
Phone Number: (310) 253-5777
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Commission Name:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (05/06/2020)
Department Approval: Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director (05/04/2020)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) discuss the creation of a Culver City Economic Recovery Task Force (ERTF) to address and mitigate the unique economic impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; and (2) and provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
COVID-19 has created unprecedented economic impacts in Culver City. Since issuing the City’s Safer at Home Public Order on March 20th, hundreds of Culver City businesses have been required to close and/or modify their operation in order to protect public health and combat the spread of COVID-19. As the State and County contemplate reopening certain economic sectors, staff recommends the creation a Task Force to address the unique challenges of COVID-19 and spur economic recovery with a focus on public health and equity.
The ERTF would be comprised of members from various City Departments selected by the City Manager. Staff recommends that community stakeholders, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), local businesses and non-profits, be invited to participate on an ad hoc basis, to provide insights relative to specific business operational challenges related to COVID-19 and inform City recovery strategies.
The ERTF would:
• Focus on rebuilding through an equity lens to address all economic segments of the community;
• Consider best practices of other municipalities and develop a Culver City specific approach that may include modified zoning, permitting, fees, parking and/or other constraints to re-opening or starting a business; and
• Coordinate with the City’s Emergency Operations Center leadership to ensure proposed strategies align with all infection precaution protocols and CDC/County directives.
Next Steps
The City’s response could focus on several areas, including:
• Implementing business development, retention and reopening strategies;
• Modifying zoning, permitting requirements and fees to encourage reinvestment;
• Identifying resources for displaced workers and vulnerable populations;
• Marketing of local economy/businesses; and
• Coordinating technical assistance available with recovery efforts relative to Federal, State and County stimulus resources, loans and grants.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no direct cost to the City to create or convene the ERTF whose purpose is to address the unique impacts from COVID-19 and assist in the City’s short- and long-term economic recovery.
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Discuss the creation of a Culver City Economic Recovery Task Force (ERTF) to address and mitigate the unique economic impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; and
2. Provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.