COVID-19 Update: Planning for Economic Recovery

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Councilman Dunn Banner

Your Update on What's Happening at the King County Council  

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

As we move into our third week of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, we are all feeling how difficult it is to confine ourselves to our homes and stay isolated from loved ones. However there is some good news: a new analysis from UW’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation significantly reduces their projected estimate of deaths in Washington State from COVID-19, a strong indication that our actions to limit the spread of the virus are working.

This is a positive sign—and it’s also a reason to stay committed to social distancing. If we let up now, there’s a possibility that case numbers could quickly rebound. It’s critical that we double down on our social distancing efforts now so we don’t extend the life of the pandemic.

As the stay at home order continues, leaders from all levels of government are working on ways to provide relief to struggling businesses. Today, I introduced legislation that would create the Coronavirus Recovery Economic (CuRE) Task Force: a work group made of up government, business, and industry leaders that will identify ways to jump-start the economy after the stay at home order is lifted. In addition, the Governor just announced $5 million in small business grants through Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grants, and the federal government is considering an additional Phase 4 coronavirus package to provide more relief for families and businesses.

Thank you for continuing to do your best to preserve the health of those who are the most at-risk in our communities. I hope you all find ways to enjoy the warmth and sunshine even as we keep our distance from each other.

Stay safe,

RD signature




Reagan Dunn
Vice Chair
King County Council

The Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant Program

Yesterday the state launched a new grant program especially targeted to small businesses struggling amidst the COVID-19 shutdown. The Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program will provide a limited number of grants of up to $10,000 for businesses with 10 or fewer employees.

To learn more or apply for the grant, visit the Washington Department of Commerce website.