TAMRMS#: B06
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COVID-19 Recovery Task Force Research for Business Resiliency Program
Presented by: Mike Erickson, Manager, Investment Attraction & Growth, Economic Development
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RECOMMENDED MOTION
That Administration research and prepare options for COVID-19 business resiliency programs for the COVID-19 Recovery Task Force’s consideration, as recommended by the COVID-19 Recovery Task Force.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to inform Council of a recommendation from the COVID-19 Recovery Task force to Council for City Administration to research and prepare options for COVID-19 resiliency programs for the Task Forces Consideration.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Strategic Priority #2: Economic Development: Enhance business/commercial growth.
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
- Entrepreneurship Development
- Granting for local businesses and community groups
- Information Services
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
Council Bylaw 24/2020, St. Albert COVID-19 Recovery Task Force Bylaw
On April 20, 2020 Council passed the following motion:
(AR 20-134)
That Council approve the COVID-19 Recovery Concept Plan set out in the report dated April 20, 2020 entitled “St. Albert COVID-19 Recovery Concept Plan” with the yellow highlighted amendments as proposed by Administration.
On December 21, 2020 Council passed the following motion:
(AR 20-379)
That the COVID-19 Recovery Task Force’s Interim Report attached to the December 21, 2020 agenda report be received as information.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The COVID-19 Recovery Task Force is an advisory Council Committee that was established in April 2020 and is a key component of implementing the City’s Recovery Conceptual Plan, approved by Council. The Task Force is mandated with developing a report and recommendations focused on ways the City can assist residents, community partners and businesses recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic over an 18 to 24-month period.
On December 21, 2020 members of the COVID-19 Recovery Task Force presented their Interim Report to St. Albert City Council as information.
At their February 3, 2020 Recovery Task Force meeting, the Task Force passed a motion that recommend Council direct Administration to research and prepare options for COVID-19 business resiliency programs for the Task Force’s consideration. The intent of such a potential program or programs is intended to support near- and longer-term resiliency efforts, to provide immediate relief aligned with projected post-pandemic scenarios.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
To support and inform the research of options for COVID-19 business resiliency programs for the Task Force’s consideration, Administration, in collaboration with the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce, will prepare a survey and distribute to St. Albert businesses.
The survey will be distributed electronically, similar to the previous COVID-19 business surveys performed by the City in March and May of 2020.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
The research and development of options for COVID-19 business resiliency can be performed without the need for additional financial resources. Depending on the scope and scale of the options developed, the implementation and administration of those options may require some additional financial resources. The COVID-19 Recovery Task Force is advisory in nature, and any funding requests would require Council approval.
Legal / Risk:
Some business resiliency initiatives, particularly those that provide grants or funding to private business and community organizations, can carry some inherent risk. In some instances, they can be perceived by the public as inequitable or as a form of government intervention.
Program or Service:
This City does currently offer a business support grant, administered by the Economic Development department, which may be affected by any new business resiliency initiatives. The “Beautification Program” offers local licensed businesses up to $2,500 in matching dollars toward specific storefront beautification improvements.
Organizational:
The research and development of options for COVID-19 business resiliency can be performed using existing administrative staff capacity. Depending on the scope and scale of the options developed, the implementation and administration of those options may require the reordering staff priorities or reallocation of staff resources.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
N/A
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Report Date: February 16, 2021
Author: Mike Erickson
Department: Economic Development
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble