NLC COVID-19: Pandemic Response Update | Issue 35

LEADERSHIP UPDATE

Colleagues,

This week, Congress returned to Washington and negotiations around a final coronavirus relief package have begun. Unfortunately, the first proposal from the Senate will likely not include direct aid to state and local governments. Cities have been told for months that our time will come – well, America’s communities are out of time. Cities, towns and villages need our federal partners to provide critical funding for our communities to prevent colossal, irreparable damages to our workforce, economy, infrastructure projects and more.

This is the final push. If you haven’t already taken action and called your Senators, do it today – we need your voice right now. This is the time to fight for your community and share why our cities, towns and villages cannot be overlooked. Cities Are Essential, and we can’t back down until Congress and the Administration pass legislation that proves it.

Sending you strength,

Joe Buscaino
President,
National League of Cities
President Pro Tempore, Los Angeles City Council

America’s Hometowns Are At Risk

Cities, towns and villages have written America’s history. And right now, all of our nation’s communities need direct, flexible aid to combat crippled revenues and skyrocketing costs due to the coronavirus. Cities are essential and without a final overwhelming effort by YOU, Congress could neglect critical budget aid to all 19,000 cities, towns and villages ini the next federal relief package.

RESOURCES

OPPORTUNITIES

Your City Is Being Left Behind – Call Your Senator Now!
Senate leadership will release a framework for a final coronavirus relief package this week. And while this is only the first step in weeks of Congressional negotiations, there will be no additional funds for state and local governments included in the proposal. Call your Senator TODAY! and tell them that direct aid to all local governments MUST be a part of any emergency assistance package.

EPA Announces Release of Water Utility COVID-19 Financial Impact Tool
Throughout the COVID-19 national health emergency—and as communities across the country reopen—water utilities have reliably provided safe drinking water and critical wastewater services. The EPA has released a new tool to help water utilities assess the financial impact of COVID-19 on operations.

Census State and Local Tax Revenue Survey
For those communities that received a letter to participate in the Quarterly Survey of State and Local Tax Revenue the U.S. Census Bureau requests your response: Because of the recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we realize you may not have immediate access to the records you need to provide exact responses to the questions in this survey. If this is the case, the U.S. Census Bureau will accept your best estimate. For survey specific questions please review the FAQ. Your response helps accurately measure the American economy so that policymakers, government officials, and governments like yours can understand the impacts of this Coronavirus outbreak. Please contact ewd.qtax@census.gov or leave at message at 800-832-2839 if you have any questions.

BEST PRACTICES

Cities are Essential – The Fight of Our Financial Lives
Congress is back in session this week and has begun negotiating the next coronavirus relief package. Local leaders, now is the time for a final push for direct flexible budget aid to all 19,000 cities, towns and villages. Read more.

Emergency Preparedness and COVID-19
Cities and counties are at various stages of reopening Across the country, elected officials and emergency management teams, engineers, planners, first responders, and other city and county staff are facing the most tremendous three-headed emergency response foe in history. Learn more how you can prepare your community. Read more.

University Towns Face Economic Crisis and COVID-19 Head On
University communities are responsible for the safety of the student-residents who will lead the next generation of American businesses and prosperity. Not only are these beloved college towns facing major budget challenges due to the loss of revenue from college students not returning, but these communities are on the frontlines of our nation’s health, safety and economic response to the global pandemic. Read more.

IN THE NEWS

How one college town is suffering amid COVID-19
Yahoo Finance – July 21, 2020

To survive financial storm of virus, states turn to Congress
Associated Press – July 20, 2020

Get ready for new coronavirus negotiations
Politico – July 20, 2020

COVID-19 economically impacting college towns across the nation, including State College
CBS 21 News – July 20, 2020