City of Eureka announces Eureka CARES Program to Support Businesses Affected by COVID-19

City of EurekaPress release from the City of Eureka:

 Last Tuesday, the Eureka City Council adopted a resolution to establish the Eureka CARES Restaurant, Bar, and Retail Support Program. The six-part Eureka CARES Program allocates first-come-first-serve grant funding in the amount of $175,000 to encourage and aid businesses in expanding outdoor services. This program is designed to safely increase economic activity during COVID-19.

 

“Our community is feeling the continuing economic effects of this pandemic,” Eureka’s Economic Development Manager Swan Asbury said. “During this challenging moment, the City of Eureka is committed to providing support to some of our most vulnerable businesses, helping them transition to operating safely outdoors, so that they not only survive this pandemic, but also activate our public spaces.”

 

The Eureka CARES program enables eligible businesses to apply for city-installed temporary parklets for outdoor dining, allows the creation of outdoor food courts, and implements a cap on fees that delivery service apps such as UberEats and Door Dash can charge restaurants.  A Dine Out Eureka social media campaign is also part of the program, encouraging residents and visitors to share their support of restaurants on social media for a chance to win local prizes.  Additionally, businesses that have already created outdoor dining options can request reimbursement for their expenses.

 

“Eureka businesses have had to considerably shift their operations,” Interim City Manager Miles Slattery said. “The Eureka CARES program allows the city to put funding where it can have tremendous impact – into the hands of businesses, so they can continue to offer safe and innovative solutions.”

 

“As a part of the Eureka CARES program, the Dine Out Eureka social media campaign is designed to highlight all of the amazing places to eat and drink in Eureka,” Emily Kirsch, Eureka Community Marketing Lead said. “The intention behind this campaign is getting people to not only support but also promote our local businesses. We’re asking customers to tag @VisitEureka on Facebook and Instagram and use the hashtag #DineOutEureka to show their support.  Participants will be entered to win local prizes and branded giveaways.  We’re also encouraging restaurants to use the hashtag to share their menus, hours, and any COVID relevant information.  We’ll be reposting and sharing out on the Visit Eureka social channels so both visitors and locals alike have a place to go to find where to eat and drink, and that they understand what they need to do to dine out or get take out safely.”

 

Restaurants, bars, and retailers can apply for city-funded temporary parklets, which include tables, chairs, heat lamps, and railings.  Businesses can also apply to use adjacent sidewalks and parking lots for outdoor seating or retail displays.  The City is encouraging businesses to work together and partner with the City to create collaborative outdoor food courts, sidewalk cafes, and designated pedestrian areas.

 

The resolution that passed at last Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting also places a cap of 15% on the amount that delivery service apps can charge restaurants, in line with how other cities across the U.S. are managing the economic impacts of delivery fees on strained local businesses.

 

Eureka CARES Program funding will be determined by the expressed needs of restaurants, bars, and retailers, and the City is seeking to work closely with local businesses to understand how they can best provide support during the COVID-19 pandemic.  To learn more and apply, visit www.ci.eureka.ca.gov.  Economic Development Manager Swan Asbury can be reached for questions via email ([email protected]).

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Starve Them Out
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Starve Them Out
3 years ago

LOL 20$ for a Domino’s cardboard pizza and these price gougers want sympathy?

Buy a dictionary.