Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2020 12 18

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SUBJECT: BUSINESS PANDEMIC SUPPORT RECOMMENDATIONS DATE: DECEMBER 18, 2020 PAGE 3 OF 9 Please note that non -critical manufacturing is currently limited to 25% or 50 people, whichever is less. However, manufacturing has a much broader possibility to be exempt, because many are defined as critical in the public health order; they are also exempt if they produce goods for any business defined as critical. Staff has continued to work closely with the Boulder County Partners Economic Recovery group, as well as with local businesses, to stay attune to ideas for pandemic support. Grant programs by far have been the most widely utilized tool, though the design and impact of each program varies. In the recent State special legislative session, several measures were passed that will aid Louisville businesses, as outlined below. • 1-11132013-1001: COVID-19 Relief Small and Minority Businesses Arts Organizations. This bill provides relief to small businesses, arts and cultural organizations, and minority -owned businesses. It also provides General Fund backfill to support a one-year suspension of health inspection and liquor licensing fees. o $37 million to small businesses, administrated jointly by the Division of Local Government in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and counties. Small businesses with annual receipts of less than $2.5 million for calendar year 2019 and that meet other criteria outlined in the bill are eligible for small business relief. Small businesses may receive grants from $3,500 - $7,000. o $7.5 million to arts and cultural organizations, administrated by the Creative Industries Division in the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). o $4 million to minority -owned businesses, administrated by the Minority Business Office in OEDIT. HB20B-1004: Qualified Retailer Retain Sales Tax for Assistance. Allows qualified retailers to retain state sales taxes for a limited time. The bill will allow retailers in the alcoholic beverages drinking places, the restaurant and other eating places, and mobile food services industries to keep up to $2,000 per month per location in state sales taxes collected — up to $8,000 — between November 2020 and February 2021. HB20B-1005: Local Authority to Impose Food Delivery Fee Restrictions. Allows local governments to control how fees can be charged during a declared public health emergency for third -party food delivery fees, with certain restrictions. Though the legislature moved swiftly because of the lack of a federal stimulus package, a large component of the bill for small businesses (HB20B-1001) is not likely to be readily available. DOLA is required by statute to disburse money to those counties that are eligible and apply by January 15. There is then a three week application period. The County, following the application period, will be required to issue funds, by February 12. Also, Louisville businesses will likely need to compete for this aid with other businesses Agenda Packet P. 8