To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Vin Smith, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Neal Harrison, Development Project Coordinator
TITLE:
Title
Economic Development Division Update
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendation
Receive a report providing an overview of the Economic Development Division's recent activities and future strategy.
Body
DISCUSSION:
Economic Development is central to supporting our businesses, spurring development and improving the quality of life for our residents. The purpose of this item is to update the City Council on the status of actions being taken by the City's Economic Development Division in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and future strategies.
COVID-19 RESPONSE
On March 18, 2020, Napa County Health Officer directed a shelter at home Order to slow the spread of COVID-19. This Order was issued in accordance with the March 4, 2020 Proclamation of a State of Emergency issued by Governor Gavin Newsom, and Napa County continues to follow State direction for loosening and tightening restrictions on activities.
The Economic Development Team has led a solutions-driven response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Team developed and compiled resources for businesses and the community, including: a website portal to host businesses available for delivery and takeout; developed flyers containing tips for consumers and businesses to help our business community; and, created additional website links to additional resources. The Team also formed the Small Business Recovery Taskforce with key business service providers: The Small Business Development Center, Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, the Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, City of Napa Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Napa Association. This group shared information on weekly calls, surveyed local businesses on COVID-19 impacts, shared resources and challenges, and developed communication strategies on spreading critical informati...
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