O’Connor: Bright spots of 2020
Cathy O’Connor
Before we discard 2020 and move forward, I want to highlight some economic development bright spots for our city and some lessons worth carrying forward.
The Oklahoma City Council and Oklahoma County commissioners responded to COVID-19 using CARES Act funding to stabilize jobs, knowing that most people in central Oklahoma are employed by small businesses. The Small Business Continuity Program, Minority Owned Business Recovery Program, Urban Renewal Authority Small Business Grant Program and the Oklahoma County Small Business and Nonprofit Grants provided $57.75 million to help small businesses and nonprofits meet basic expenses and maintain payroll during the pandemic. We heard from many businesses that the emergency relief helped sustain their business and avoid layoffs.
Barb Anderson Local guest columnist
Christmas was totally different this year. We didnât have to rush out to yet one more house. The grandkids actually got to spend the day playing with their new gifts instead of rushing out to get more. Dinner was wonderful because I didnât have to cook (my daughter did), and it was my first year in 37 years where the first part of my day wasnât spent at the shelter. I thought it would feel odd. At least different. Instead, it felt like I was home.
As we left for my daughterâs, first Diane then Shara called. âBarb, itâs cold outside, really cold, can you go by the overpass and to the Dollar Tree; there are homeless guys there and they will freeze. Please, I am so worried,â they both said. So I went, then I convinced my husband to go to the Springdale United Methodist Church and the winter shelter. We got there just as the Coalition for the Homeless staff was arriving and setti
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