Distribution of COVID-19 relief funds and the minority business enterprise program to be discussed at next city council meeting

Distribution of relief funds associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minority Business Enterprise ordinance, and small business assistance will be discussed by the Decatur City Council at a study session on Monday, July 13 at 5:30 PM. 

Decatur received $834,287 in federal funds to reduce the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Decatur.  Among the initiatives the funds can be used for include: aiding social service agencies that provide direct assistance to citizens in need such as housing and utility payment assistance; job training, particularly in the health care field and  for at-risk youth; and funds for medical testing and health care supplies.  The state of Illinois is also providing access to ~$3.1 million in funds in Decatur.  However, there are significant restrictions on what these funds can be used for, and thus, the city may only receive a fraction of the available funding.   

Among the proposed changes to the Minority Business Enterprise program would be to add additional incentives including bidding on city procurement proposals.  The discussions regarding small business assistance will concentrate on how the city can be more directly involved in providing help to new start-ups and pre-existing small businesses, as well as how assistance can be delivered through the Community Development Corporation of Decatur (CICD). 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON STUDY SESSION TOPICS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE - An agenda, explanation of each agenda item, and background information to the city council meeting can be found at: https://www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council-meetings/.

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS – If you would like to discuss this or any other issue with a city council member, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for each council member can be found at the following link: https://www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council/.

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND MEETINGS AND EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS – Citizens are allotted 3 minutes per person near the beginning of each city council meeting.  In addition, public comments limited to 3 minutes will be accepted at different times on the agenda as discussions proceed.  Meetings take place at the Theater located on the second floor of the Decatur Civic Center (1 Gary K. Anderson Place).  Free parking is available in the lot immediately south of the entrance.