May 1 Letter to Business Leaders
Published on May 01, 2020
Dear Alameda Business Leaders,
Thank you for your continuing partnership during this unprecedented time. This letter is focused on the new health order issued this week, the launch of the application for small business relief grants, upcoming events I think you will be interested in, and actions I hope you will consider.
Extension of the Shelter In Place Order
On Wednesday, April 29, the Alameda County Health Officer released a new health order that extends the existing shelter in place order through May 31, and allows the following previously restricted activities to resume if physical distancing is maintained:
- All construction projects (following construction safety protocols)
- All real estate transactions (with restrictions on open houses and limited tours)
- Childcare, camps, and programs that provide care for children of people who are allowed to work outside of their homes
- Outdoor businesses, including nurseries, landscaping, and agriculture
- Certain outdoor recreational facilities, such as skate parks and athletic fields
The Governor has said that as we continue to flatten and begin to bend the curve, that the loosening of restrictions will be more like a dimmer than a light switch. So while the above restrictions have loosened, the new health order maintains the prohibition of gatherings of any size and non-essential travel, continues to restrict bars and restaurants to take-out service only, and keeps closed playgrounds, picnic areas, gyms, dog parks, and other shared spaces. We posted the new health order, a summary of the new health order, and FAQs on the City’s COVID-19 website at alamedastrong.org.
Small Business Grant Program
Applications opened this week for the $600,000 Small Business Grant Program that the City Council approved at its last meeting. More information is available at www.alamedaca.gov/covid19grants. The City will host a Q&A webinar this Tuesday, May 5, at 3pm. Advanced registration is required here.
Upcoming Events
There are 4 upcoming virtual events that we hope you will consider attending:
- At 4pm today, Friday, May 1, the Mayor’s COVID-19 Town Hall includes remarks from and Q&A with Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Click here for more information.
- Then on Saturday, May 2, at 2pm, a Town Hall with Councilmembers Jim Oddie and Malia Vella will include remarks and a Q&A with Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan. Click here for more information.
- On Tuesday, May 5, we look forward to another Tuesday at 2 Town Hall with the business community. Click here for more information.
- And on Wednesday, May 6, at 1pm, please join us for a 90 minute webinar to learn how small businesses can begin to prepare for the future, even in the midst of uncertainty. Representatives from the Alameda County Small Business Development Center and East Bay SCORE will provide insight into strategies for short- and long-range planning, as well as concrete steps that businesses can take today to prepare for operation in a changed world. Advanced registration is required here.
Action Items
We know your time is limited, but there are two surveys that we think are worth the time to take, and we encourage you to make your voice heard:
- The California Recovery Roadmap is being developed by the Governor’s Office to provide guidance to different sectors of the economy. You can provide your input here.
- The East Bay Economic Development Alliance published a survey so they can advocate for resources that address your most important needs here.
We are grateful to our business community for all you do to make Alameda a special place.
Many thanks,
Eric Levitt
City Manager