Today, Tuesday April 21, 2020, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler was joined by regional, statewide and community leaders to share their new and continuing economic relief and recovery measures from COVID-19-related financial losses. The all-virtual news conference, held via Zoom and livestreamed on Mayor Wheeler’s YouTube channel, showcased a coalition of support and the important work being done across the region and state to support those most in need of financial assistance. Small businesses, households and those experiencing homelessness are all benefitting from the actions that were announced.
“I’m proud of how Oregonians are going above and beyond to do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19. As a result, we’re not seeing the devastating effects it has had on other states,” Mayor Wheeler said. “I’m also proud of how the City of Portland and its partners stepped up with relief and recovery resources for those who need them most in our respective communities.”
The City of Portland initially freed up $3 million to help small businesses and people in need, and more help is on the way.
Much is also happening in every corner of Oregon on economic relief. This web page published today on Mayor Wheeler’s website, offers guidance for those seeking economic relief statewide.
“We hope this site will offer one centralized space for businesses to learn about the economic-relief initiatives being developed to help them. Portland’s small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and we’ll do everything possible to help them survive this crisis,” Commissioner Amanda Fritz said. “Together with our local and regional partners, we are committed to helping them be in a better position to stay in business, retain employees, and thrive again when we get past this very difficult moment.”
Economic recovery actions shared today beyond the City of Portland include:
- Gresham – Initial small business grants up to $10,000 for restaurants.
- Beaverton – Initial grants totaling $250,000 to 120 businesses and City Council appropriating an additional $500,000 for relief
- Hillsboro – Small business grants totaling $1 million to 400 businesses and $500,000 invested in rent assistance, food and homeless shelters
- Eugene – Immediate emergency loan program for businesses with low-interest, short-term financing
“These unprecedented times call for nimbleness, speed, and collaboration across all levels of government, especially to fill the gaps where federal policy falls short. I’m thankful for the work that has gone in to supporting our communities to move into recovery and resiliency," Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty said. "As we continue finding creative ways to support our local economy, it is crucial that we make sure those systematically left out of traditional funding sources — that includes businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color — have the support they need to recover from this economic catastrophe.”
Joining Mayor Wheeler to announce economic relief actions being taken were:
- President Lynn Peterson, Metro
- Chair Deborah Kafoury, Multnomah County
- Mayor Shane Bemis, Gresham
- Mayor Denny Doyle, Beaverton
- Mayor Steve Callaway, Hillsboro
- Mayor Lucy Vinis, Eugene
- Yuri Sernande, Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce, APACC
- Jan Mason, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon, PACCO
- James Parker, Oregon Native American Chamber, ONACC
- Carmen Castro, Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, HMC
- Kimberly Branam, Prosper Portland
- Matt Miller, Greater Portland Inc
- Ashley Henry, Business for a Better Portland, BBP
- Andrew Hoan, Portland Business Alliance, PBA
- Jeff Miller, Travel Portland
- Skip Newberry, Technology Association of Oregon, TAO
Today’s news conference can be viewed here on Mayor Wheeler’s YouTube site.
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