City Expands Resources to Support Residents and Businesses During Economic Recovery

July 23, 2020 11:30 AM
by Erin Taylor

Six new resources are available today to support community members on our road to recovery.  Resources include:

Resources are meant to provide practical resources to community members during a challenging time of re-openings and then further business closures across Los Angeles County due to COVID-19. 

Resource #1:  Expanded Personal Protective Equipment

   

Local access to personal protective equipment is expanding for local Santa Monica businesses with over 50,000 surgical masks delivered to Santa Monica in the past week.  Every local business is invited to pick up a pack of 50 at the Main Street Visitor Information Center (2427 Main Street) from 11a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.  The goal behind this program is to ensure that customers and patrons can continue to safely shop at local stores, even if individuals forget to bring a face covering.  As part of this program, business owners and employees can provide a face covering to individuals that may have forgotten that face coverings are required at all local stores.  These resources build on other free health and safety related resources available to businesses including floor clings, front door clings and signage also available at the Main Street Visitor Information Center.

Resource #2: Online Job Resources

The City in collaboration with local community and educational partners has come together to connect local job seekers with local employment opportunities. Partnering with Chrysalis, JVS WorkSource, Santa Monica College, Adult Education Center, Hospitality Training Academy and Santa Monica Public Library, the City developed and is now launching online job resources that is available to Santa Monica residents as they emerge from the pandemic.  As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported unemployment in Santa Monica increased to 17.2% as of May 2020, with forecasts for a slow economic recovery.  In response, community organizations are here to help the community rebound.  Resources are grouped into three categories: Employment Preparation/Job Search/Job Retention, Career Training Classes/Programs, and Literacy including Tech Training.  Not only are there resources to help residents find jobs but also provide access to free classes and certificate programs to change careers.  Take a look:  santamonica.gov/economicrecovery/job-resources.  This work builds on the City’s residential and commercial eviction moratorium that has been extended through at least September 30 and the City’s emergency rental assistance program that will assist at least 300 Santa Monica families through the pandemic and closed July 17.  Additionally, over 3,000 boxes of food for Santa Monica residents and 1,400 boxes to Santa Monica community partners has been provided since March. 

Resource #3: Expanded Retail, Dining and Hotel Specials

A comprehensive list of hotel, retail and dining specials has been created by local Business Improvement Districts and Santa Monica Travel & Tourism to urge the community to Buy Local.  Remember $7 out of every $10 spent locally stays local and makes a tremendous difference to our local economy and available city services like parks, libraries, and public safety.  While everyone stays committed to wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distance, there are ample ways to rally around the spirit of Santa Monica.  Now more than ever it is important to Buy Local and support your favorite local Santa Monica businesses.  Find over 50 specials at santamonica.com/summer-specials.

Resource #4: New Outdoor Dining, Retail and Services

Outdoor dining, retail and services continue to expand.  Wandering down every commercial area around the city, you can find people jump roping in the street, enjoying a leisurely lunch in the sun, and enjoying the happiest of hours.  At least 146 Santa Monica businesses have been approved to extend their business outdoors onto private property and adjacent sidewalks and streets, taking advantage of the new Temporary Use of Outdoor Space permit.  Efforts continue to expand with new amenities on Wilshire Boulevard.  This effort builds on temporary fee waivers for businesses, new payment plans, extended late penalties and timelines for permit activities implemented to support Santa Monica businesses through this pandemic.  More flexibility in parking, loading, and operational requirements have also been implemented temporarily to accelerate options for residents to enjoy quality of life, city-wide economic recovery, and business support during this time.  Santa Monica Businesses:  Apply for your permit today!

Resource #5: Coming Soon!  Employee Sensitivity Course and Pledge & Business Assurance Program

The City partnered with Santa Monica College, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, and Arrow Up Training to develop a Santa Monica Shines COVID-19 Assurance Program for businesses and employees that broadens awareness of public health guidelines and what to do in sensitive situations like when a customer refuses to wear a face covering in your place of business.  The free awareness course that will launch during the week of August 3 will be available to all Santa Monica employees and incorporates local perspectives and expertise from Santa Monica business leaders as well as a personal pledge for employees to commit to implement required health and safety measures to support Santa Monica’s commitment to being safe and clean as we reopen for locals and visitors alike.  Find the resource at santamonica.gov/economicrecovery/training. 

Resource #6: Below Market Housing Options

It's not too late to apply to the City’s Below Market Housing waitlist. The waitlist is open, and opportunities are available, particularly for households earning moderate income, seniors, and individuals living with a disability. For more information and to apply, please visit santamonica.gov/housing-apply.

Supporting our resident and business community through this challenging time is a big priority for the City.  From rental assistance to food security programs to bringing our businesses outside in new, creative and safe ways to supporting job seekers and local businesses, our entire team is focused on supporting Santa Monica through the ups and downs of the public health emergency and economic recovery. 

For ongoing updates about new resources available and all economic recovery efforts, visit santamonica.gov/economicrecovery, contact the City of Santa Monica’s hotline at (310) 458-8400 or info@santamonica.gov. Sign up for emergency alerts by texting SMALERT to 888-777 and regular email updates at santamonica.gov/newsletter.

Authored By

Erin Taylor
Senior Marketing Manager