City plans with stimulus money conflict with business community
Apr. 10, 2021 at 6:05 am
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Santa Monica is set to receive $29.3 million when funding from the American Rescue Plan Act is allocated, and city leaders have proposed using the money to continue a Rent Relief Program, fund community projects and reopen City facilities and in-person services. However, local businesses say the assistance may not be enough to keep them around.
No decision will be made until City Council meets Tuesday to direct staff on how to proceed forward with the funding, but because ARPA funds can be used until December 2024, the City has a lot of flexibility in how it can use the money, according to a staff report, which suggested that Council dedicate 20 percent of ARPA direct aid funds to responding to the needs related to the Equitable and Inclusive Economic Recovery of the community.
As a business reporter, I write about small businesses opening and closing, manufacturing, food and drink, labor issues and economic data. I particularly love writing about the impact of state and federal policy on local businesses. I also do some education reporting, covering colleges in southeastern Connecticut and regional K-12 issues.
Erica Moser
As a business reporter, I write about small businesses opening and closing, manufacturing, food and drink, labor issues and economic data. I particularly love writing about the impact of state and federal policy on local businesses. I also do some education reporting, covering colleges in southeastern Connecticut and regional K-12 issues.