CARES Act funding is being put to work for Scottsdale

Posted By The Peak on Jul 25, 2020

July 14, 2020

Courtesy City of Scottsdale

Helping residents and businesses that have been hit hard economically top the list of ways that the City Council has approved more than $29 million
in federal CARES Act funding be put to work in Scottsdale. Programs and services for Scottsdale residents in-need will receive $3
million, which will be used to provide things like meals and services for seniors and low-income families, rent and utility assistance, and programs
for individuals experiencing homelessness. Learn how you can get help<https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/human-services>.

The council’s action also provides $5 million to support local businesses including loans, grants, commercial utility assistance and expanded marketing campaigns to help Scottsdale businesses get back on their feet. Learn how you can get help<https://www.choosescottsdale.com/ssbac>.

In addition to those programs, event venues like Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Stadium and WestWorld, are among 30 city
buildings that could receive health-friendly upgrades including automatic doors and faucets, ultraviolet disinfection of air handling systems and
expanded technology systems for remote work. Facilities to be upgraded also include libraries, senior centers, community centers and City Hall.

With the sudden decline in economic output during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U. S. Congress introduced and passed the CARES Act. The act provides funding to state, local and tribal governments dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

As part of the federal funding, Arizona cities and counties received about $441 million in COVID-19 relief fund, known as the AZCares Fund. City and
county populations determined the specific amount each would receive.

The city of Scottsdale received $29,628,014.

The money will be appropriated based on two funding priorities: Community
Investment and City Operations. Here’s the breakdown:

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT:

Care for Vulnerable Citizens – $3 million

These include homeless, senior and low-income programs such as day relief
centers, work training, food bank expansion, meal programs, Adopt-a-Senior
and Adopt-a-Family.

Residential Utility Assistance Program — $450,000

Community Facilities Safety Upgrades — $3,110,000

Modify large public facilities, such as the libraries, Scottsdale Stadium
and museums, to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Arts and Culture Programs — $1,500,000

Assist 15 nonprofit arts and culture programs that have been and continue
to be vulnerable as they are forced to allocate already limited costs.

Public Health Communications — $100,000

Develop a robust, comprehensive and sustained communications program to
support healthy practices.

Business Assistance Programs — $5,000,000

Several programs now exist; these funds will expand programs to help hard
hit small businesses. These include grants, Shop Scottsdale campaign,
business center, banner program, etc.

CITY OPERATIONS:

City Buildings Safety Retrofits — $2,220,000

Upgrade 14 city buildings that have a large number of employees and public
engagement with technology and safety features. These include automatic
doors, touch free fixtures, disinfection technology, etc.

Telework/Technology Expenses — $871,232

These include enhanced cyber security, teleconference equipment, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment, Sanitation, Cleaning — $1,340,000

Supplies and equipment for cleaning and sanitizing city facilities.

Emergency Response — $2,200,000

Overtime for existing personnel, equipment, supplies and testing/monitoring.

Future COVID-19 Resurgence Preparation — $2,000,000

Preparation and response for necessary overtime for existing personnel,
supplies and testing/monitoring upon resurgence (if needed).

Public Safety — $4,000,000

Funding for existing personnel and programs.

Unallocated Funding — $3,836,782

Funding to be determined.