The San Luis Obispo City Council approved $3.4 million to support economic development and homeless services.
Officials say this money will help with the immediate and long-term impacts of the covid-19 pandemic.
“Our top priority is the city’s economic stability, recovery and resiliency,” said City Manager Derek Johnson. “There is a pressing and immediate need to invest in additional economic development efforts to support businesses and for homeless services to support those unsheltered in our community.”
Most of the money will be invested in grant funding opportunities for small businesses.
The city is also putting $425,000 to expand programs downtown, such as Open SLO Parklets, Mission Plaza Dining and the Light Up Downtown holiday activities.
Another $200,000 is going towards a new program called Shop Local, which incentivizes people to spend money at local brick and mortar locations.
The city is also dedicating $300,000 to support homeless services.
“Staff from multiple departments and have been focused on doing even more, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Manager. “The City’s Community Services Work group will continue to actively participate and plan with our partners for a regional effort to leverage our collective resources and care for those community members in need.”
For more information about the city’s response to COVID-19, click here.
