Economic Development News from the East Bay | November 2020

On Tuesday, November 17, East Bay EDA, in partnership with Alameda County, announced the launch of the Alameda County CARES Grant program, which provides $5,000 in funding to support eligible small businesses in the county impacted by COVID-19.

The program, made possible by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors recent action to redirect $5 million in CARES Act funds, prioritizes grants for small, local and emerging businesses within the county. Funding will assist small businesses with covering necessary costs due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, incurred between March 17, 2020 and December 30, 2020.

The grant application deadline is November 30, 2020. Please note that this program excludes: financial institutions, banks, lenders, landlords of residential or commercial businesses, publicly traded companies, and non-profits. Learn more about eligibility and apply today!

East Bay native Kamala Harris made history as the first Vice-President elect when the 2020 Presidential election was called by media outlets on November 7, 2020. She is the first female, first Black, and first Asian-American to rise this high in our nation’s leadership. 

Here in our region, both East Bay counties’ 1/2 cent sales tax measures (Contra Costa County Measure X and Alameda County Measure W) received majority support from the voters, although the vote in Alameda County remains incredibly close, with slightly more than 1,000 votes separating support from opposition. 

At the state level, voters passed Propositions 14 and 19, both of which received a “support” position from East Bay EDA. Proposition 15, which proposed to increase property tax rates on commercial buildings, went down to defeat, as did Proposition 16, which sought to repeal Proposition 209 (1996). Proposition 22, which gained the distinction of being the most expensive ballot measure in California history, also was passed by the voters, defining app-based transportation and delivery drivers as independent contractors.

East Bay EDA congratulates the talented candidates who ran in local elections, as our region is only as good as the people who choose to step up and lead.
NEWS

On November 9, Health Officers from Bay Area counties issued joint recommendations for safer holiday gatherings and travel. Some of these go back to the basics: wear a mask, wash your hands, and social distance. Take a closer look at the health guidelines from Alameda County and Contra Costa County. Please enjoy a healthy and safe holiday season!

Our Speaker Series continues in 2021 with Urban Reuse and Adaptation, a webinar featuring presenters from Forge, Holland & Knight, and srmErnst Development Partners. Our informative discussion about urban reuse, adaptation, and transformation is presented in collaboration with Urban Land Institute SF. Early registration is now open.

Join us for our second Speaker Series event in the New Year, Biomedical Manufacturing & Public Health, for an important discussion on workplace and industry safety. This Outreach Program is funded by the CARES Act Stimulus Package 2020 – and is managed by CMTC – California’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center. Register today!

Small Business Saturday is November 28, 2020. The Small Business Majority 2020 Holiday Gift Guide is a searchable resource for small businesses offering products and services in your community. Many East Bay communities are also promoting local businesses. Search the guide and please remember to shop safe and shop local this season!