April 9, 2020 Update from Supervisor Connolly

Thank you for making Marin an example of residents who are willing to do their part.  The latest statistics show that our first in the country Shelter In Place order, and diligent social distancing, is paying off with slower rates of infection than other states.  Though it feels like we have been sheltering in place for a long time (its been 24 days but who is counting), the end is not yet in sight.  This is the hard part.  The number of cases are still expected to rise.  Please keep minimizing contact with others, and take care of yourself.   

I’d like to share some exciting news for our local businesses. 

San Rafael Small Business COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund  

Since March 16th, I have been collaborating with San Rafael Mayor Gary Phillips, the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, local financial institutions, and others to help small businesses struggling to maintain cash flow and financial solvency during these unprecedented times. The County of Marin, the City of San Rafael and the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce came together with the common goal to help small businesses sustain their operations due to the pandemic and shelter-in-place mandate.  I am pleased to report that the pieces of this public private partnership have come together. 

On Tuesday, April 14th, I will be asking my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to support an allocation to match what the City of San Rafael is contributing to the Fund.  It is anticipated that the City will contribute $50,000, and I will ask the Board to approve a County match of $50,000.  In addition to providing relief to San Rafael businesses, the goal is for similar partnerships to be developed in other cities and towns and chambers of commerce in Marin.  The Fund being established in San Rafael can serve as a model to expand the program countywide. 

The small business community has always been the backbone of the Marin economy and a strong contributor to our quality of life. Businesses and their employees have been impacted in unprecedented ways and quick action is needed.  Marin County has always been a family and this collaboration highlights the important role businesses play in that family.  

The Relief Fund will allow qualified small businesses to apply for one-time grants in amounts up to $5,000 to help pay for immediate operational costs, including but not limited to rent, payroll, utilities, and loan payments.  Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of other programs being offered to businesses, including loans offered through the Small Business Administration.  This will allow for business owners to keep operations moving forward in an effort to infuse the local economy with much needed dollars now. 

To date, approximately $175,000 is available in the Fund, which is being administered by The San Rafael Chamber Educational Foundation, Inc.  A business will be eligible for funding if its sales have dropped by 40% or more.  The business must be licensed by the City of San Rafael, have fewer than 25 employees and have annual sales in San Rafael of $1 million or less.  Applications will be available on the San Rafael Chamber website early next week. 

I’m proud to see the community rally around our small businesses.  If you are interested in donating to the San Rafael Small Business COVID19 Disaster Relief Fund, please submit checks to the San Rafael Chamber Educational Foundation, Inc., 817 Mission Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901.  The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, Tax ID no. 84-2355703.

It is more important than ever that the dollars we are spending are spent locally.  #ShopLocal 

Additional Economic Resources of Interest 

Conclusion 

Among all the news coming at you, please do not overlook the 2020 Census, which is the basis for federal funding that comes to Marin for schools, hospitals, fire departments, roads, and other local resources we all depend on.  Please take a look at the attached video.  Then, visit the 2020 Census website to learn more about completing your questionnaire. 

Above all else, please take care of yourself and your loved ones.  Let me know if you, or a neighbor would like a phone call.  I have really enjoyed talking to many of you in the evenings over the past couple of weeks and welcome the opportunity to talk to more people.  Keep in touch, we will get through this together.