City of Riverside Approves Plan for $28 Million in CARES Act Funding
Published: 8/5/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Aug. 5, 2020
Contact:
Phil Pitchford
Public Information Officer
951-826-5975
City of Riverside Approves Plan for $28 Million in CARES Act Funding
City Council approval followed efforts to elicit community feedback
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Rental assistance, services for individuals experiencing homelessness, help for small businesses, and aid for people struggling with food insecurity are among the efforts that will be funded by nearly $28 million designed to help with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City Council on Tuesday (8/4) evening approved a plan to spend the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding from the State of California. The vote came after the City elicited input from the community’s most pressing needs through an online survey.
The funds were made available to Riverside following an intensive outreach effort by members of the Big City Mayors group, of which Mayor Rusty Bailey is a member. The group, which is made up of mayors of the 13 largest cities in the state, reached out to Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders to advocate for funding for seven cities, including Riverside, that did not receive a direct allocation from the $150 billion federal Coronavirus Relief Fund to state, local and tribal governments.
That outreach effort resulted in the inclusion of $225 million in funding for the seven cities as part of the recently approved State budget, with Riverside receiving $27,991,888.
“This funding will provide life-saving and life-changing relief to Riverside residents and businesses,” Mayor Bailey said. “I am grateful for the efforts of mayors around the state who spoke up for Riverside and to Gov. Newsom for his efforts to ensure our city got these much-needed funds.”
The plan includes $2.6 million to provide shelter beds; $3.6 million for rental assistance; $3.6 million for business assistance; and $3 million to assist people who are struggling with food resiliency.
Another $2.5 million is earmarked for support to children and families, including help with childcare costs, while more than $2.1 million will help support distance learning by Riverside students.
To ensure continuity of government while employees work remotely, the City will spend more than $1.1 million on laptops, field devices and other technology needs.
“The COVID-19 pandemic’s effects are wide-ranging, and our response must be comprehensive,” Mayor Pro Tem Steve Hemenway said. “I believe this plan will help a lot of families in our city who are in urgent need of assistance during this time.”
A report on the CARES Act funding can be found here.
For the latest information and resources regarding COVID-19 -- www.RiversideCA.gov/COVID-19
