There's no denying that the pandemic has had a profound impact on our way of life, economic security, health and small businesses. We know that not everyone has been equally impacted by COVID, and that it has hit communities of color and low income communities the hardest. My heart goes out to anyone who has been personally impacted by COVID-19 in any way.
As a property owner during the pandemic and working in social services programs, I have seen the diverse ways the pandemic has impacted households and businesses. It informs my belief that our COVID recovery process must continue to be equitable, transparent, and flexible to the needs of everyone who works or lives in Alexandria.
We must recognize that the needs of each family and business will differ.
- Our eviction prevention task force and rental assistance programs must continue to support those impacted by health challenges and job loss.
- Landlords may need mortgage assistance or building repair support for deferred maintenance issues as a result of a delay of regular maintenance due to COVID.
- Members of our workforce may require job training as former jobs are no longer available and new skills are needed to re-enter the workforce in a new role. I support our investment of COVID funding into the Guaranteed Basic Income Program (ARISE) and am eager to see how the results of that program can be used to design long term or expanded efforts.
- For businesses, the road to recovery continues to be unpredictable and likely uneven. Our small business programs must continue to adapt and be creative to allow for new ideas and post pandemic shopping and travel habits of Alexandrians and visitors alike.