October 22, 2020 Dear Chicagoan, Today, I joined Mayor Lightfoot and the Public Health Commissioner to announce the reinstatement of targeted business restrictions to combat the recent and alarming rise of COVID-19 cases. Effective tomorrow, Friday, October 23 at 6:00 a.m., the following regulations will come into effect: ·All non-essential businesses must be closed to the public between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. This includes bars, restaurants, health and fitness centers, event venues, personal services, non-essential retail and most establishments that were deemed non-essential during the Stay at Home Order earlier this year. Essential businesses, such as grocery stores, pharmacies and hardware stores, are exempt. Additionally, restaurants may remain open for take-out or delivery of food. ·Bars, taverns, breweries and other establishments that sell alcohol for on-site consumption without a Retail Food Establishment License must close for indoor service. Outdoor service may continue, including rooms with retractable roofs and tables that are within eight feet of walls that are at least 50% open. ·All liquor sales for on-site and off-site consumption must cease at 9:00 p.m. This applies to all establishments that sell alcohol, including those with a Package Goods, Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity License. The delivery and pick-up of alcohol must cease at 9:00 p.m. as well. For more information, please read the latest Health Order, which includes a comprehensive list of the businesses that are considered essential. Please note that transportation, including taxis and ride-hail services, are considered essential. Please be aware that BACP will continue enforcing the new regulations listed above along with the existing regulations. As a reminder: ·Indoor capacity at most businesses is limited to 40%, with a total of 50 patrons within a room or space at restaurants, event venues, performance venues and other establishments. ·No more than six people per table at a bar, restaurant, performance venue or event venue. ·Face coverings must be worn at all times by customers and employees, and can be removed by customers only in limited circumstances (i.e. when actively eating/drinking, during personal services that require their removal) ·Class size at health and fitness centers and after-school programming limited to 15 people, while adhering to the 40% capacity limit. The full guidelines can be found at chicago.gov/reopening. To help businesses understand the new guidelines, we will be holding a webinar Friday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. To register and learn more, visit chicago.gov/businesseducation. The second surge of COVID-19 is here, and these new restrictions are necessary to combat the alarming rise in cases and hospitalizations. Over the past week alone, cases have risen by 54%, to over 640 per day. This is coinciding with a worrying increase in hospitalizations, which for non-ICU COVID patients and suspected cases are up 45% since September 22. In addition to the new business restrictions, the City is calling on all residents to avoid social gatherings over six people and end all social gatherings at 10:00 p.m. These restrictions, which are targeted at locations that most easily contribute to spread, will help save lives while also hopefully preventing further restrictions - if our positivity rate continues to climb we will soon be subject to much stricter regulations from the State of Illinois, including reduced capacity for all businesses and the closure of indoor dining. That said, we understand the pain this is causing to our business community and will continue to work to support businesses throughout this ongoing crisis. Today, the City Council Committee on License and Consumer Protection voted to approve an ordinance that would further extend the expiration date of licenses impacted by COVID-19. Under the new legislation, all licenses that were set to expire between March 15 and December 31, 2020 will be considered active until January 30, 2021. We anticipate this becoming law at the next City Council meeting on November 16 and will not be enforcing late fees or renewal requirements on businesses that would be impacted by this ordinance prior to its formal passage by the full City Council next month. Next, I want to remind everyone of available funding opportunities for businesses during this challenging time: ·The Illinois Business Interruption Grant Program (BIG) continues to accept applications, with funds allotted specifically for heavily impacted industries, priority businesses and disproportionately impacted areas. Learn more at Illinois.gov/dceo. ·Applications for the Performing Arts Venue Relief Program will close Friday, October 23 at 5:00 p.m. central time. This program that will provide $10,000 grants to up to 120 for-profit and nonprofit Chicago-based performing arts venues that have lost significant revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will be distributed via a lottery system to qualified recipients. ·Chicago area restaurants are able to apply to receive a $5,000 grant to defray winterization expenses such as the cost of heating equipment, additional safety materials to improve indoor dining, upgrades for air filtration systems, bulk orders of blankets for patrons, and more through DoorDash’s Main Street Strong initiative.Learn more and apply here. I also want to remind everyone that the City has partnered with Tock to offer a free set-up and six-month subscription to Tock Plus Litefor restaurants and bars without a reservation system in areas of the citybelow 60% of the Area Median Income.For more information, please visit: www.exploretock.com/join/get-started. Thanks again to all of you for your ongoing efforts to keep our community safe. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. Sincerely, Rosa Escareno BACP Commissioner
Dear Community Leader, This morning, the Mayor will be releasing the City of Chicago’s 2021 budget. Crafted in the context of a global pandemic, this budget is the most challenging in our city’s history. The Mayor and her team have been working around the clock to find solutions to address an unprecedented $1.2 billion shortfall, most of which can be directly attributed to COVID.
COVID laid bare generational inequities and the City has tackled them head on, providing relief for the most vulnerable among us, including African American and Latinx communities who have disproportionately borne the brunt of the virus’ impact. Through our Racial Equity Rapid Response Team, housing supports for renters and homeowners, support for small businesses, and other COVID-relief programs, we have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to the values of equity, transparency and inclusion.
This “Pandemic Budget” now demands that we step into those values fully and ensure that we continue to build upon last year’s investments in youth services, violence prevention, mental health, and support for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
We have also refused to balance the City’s budget on the backs of Chicago’s working families. In building this balanced budget, the City looked internally first - eliminating vacancies and adding efficiencies to our fiscal management. Indeed, even before we arrived at the 2021 budget, we were able to close the COVID-induced $800 million shortfall in the 2020 budget without using draconian measures. Instead, we were able to close that monumental gap through a combination of CARES Act reimbursement, debt refinancing, service efficiency, and a hiring slowdown.
Unfortunately, due to decades of underfunding in past budgets, we will need to increase revenues in 2021 to get through this crisis. There will be a small property tax increase. However, to avoid a large, sudden, property tax increase, the property tax will now be tied to a federal marker of inflation – the Consumer Price Index. For a median home value of $250,000, the average estimated impact of the entire 2021 increase is approximately $56 per year for a Chicago homeowner. It is expected that this small increase will be the last vote for a property tax needed for the Administration to reach structural balance in the next 3-4 years.
Significantly, the push for structural balance in the budget forces us to look beyond a narrow 1-year spending window and focus on the next 3-4 years, which in turn allows us to act as good fiscal stewards of taxpayer dollars well into the future. In fact, more than 60% of next year’s budget is balanced through structural measures, which is a remarkable achievement given the enormity of the challenge laid out before us.
Finally, we must also flag that in the absence of additional federal funding, we will likely face layoffs and furloughs for city staff. At labor's request, we have built in time to find additional savings and await possible federal relief. As such, no layoffs will take effect until March 1st, 2021. Our fervent hope is that federal relief will be forthcoming, and we will be able to walk back some of the personnel actions taken in the budget.
At the end of the day, budgets are moral documents that rely on compromise, collaboration and trust. We have sought to be true to our values and deliver a balanced budget that closes a historic gap without damaging cuts to services, an overwhelming tax increase, or risking the City’s reputation. We know you may have questions and concerns. Next week, through a series of virtual town hall meetings, you will have an opportunity to hear more from the Mayor’s staff and have many of your questions answered. Information about those meetings will be shared shortly.
Sincerely,
Mayor's Office of Community Engagement
Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Emergency Rental Assistance Program
One-time $5000 payment made directly to landlord for past due rent and future rent. Apply here: https://era.ihda.org/
Applications accepted Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 21. Application does not guarantee payment. Applicants will be selected randomly.
Program open to all Illinois residents.
Question hotline: 312-883-2720 or 888-252-1119
Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Rental Assistance Program
Up to three months of overdue or future rent paid directly to landlord. Apply here: https://buff.ly/2PGrw61
Applications accepted Monday, August 10 through Tuesday, August 18. Application does not guarantee payment. Applicants will be selected randomly.
Program open to any resident of suburban Cook County.
Important notes:
Immigration status is not asked for either program.
Clients can apply for both programs. Both programs are lotteries and have overlapping application periods. After each program randomly selects applicants, they will verify that the applicant is still eligible to receive funds (i.e. if they received other COVID-19 funding). If by chance an applicant is selected for both programs, the tenant will be held accountable for accurately reporting other COVID-19 assistance.
Emergency Mortgage Assistance (EMA): August 24 - September 4 One time grants of up to $15,000 to cover missed mortgage payments due to COVID-19 [click here]
Chicago Housing Assistance Portal: This portal can route you to the most appropriate of the four housing assistance programs available: DOH COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grants; DOH Mortgage Assistance Program; or the Illinois Housing Development Authority Statewide Housing Assistance [click here]
View this email in español, عربى, polski, and 中文. Dear Community Member, Chicago Public Schools and the Mayor’s Office have announced a preliminary reopening framework that includes staggered in-school attendance schedules, daily health screenings and personal protective equipment, a more in-depth at home learning plan, prioritizing the social-emotional well being of students, strict social distancing guidelines, and the ability to easily transition to full at-home learning if COVID-19 cases being to increase. More information about the preliminary reopening can be found here.
As we continue to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases and reopen we will provide up-to-date information on childcare resources, healthcare, city services, and the reopening of the City. Please continue to social distance, wear face masks or cloth face coverings, and refrain from congregating in large crowds. Rental Assistance Program The Department of Family and Support Services has announced the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) in an effort to prevent homelessness due to financial hardship. This program will provide payment of rent arrears for Cook County residents to prevent eviction and assistance in rent payment for those experiencing crisis or emergencies such as temporary loss of income, eviction notices, fire or flood, and domestic violence. This program only assists those currently in housing and is not designed to relocate homeless families from shelter to housing. More information about RAP can be found here. Cash Assistance The Farmworker & Landscaper Advocacy Project is providing one-time $500 cash assistance for those financially affected by COVID-19. Those employed in the landscaping, snow plowing, packing, cannery, farms, nursery, greenhouse, and meat and poultry industries and experiencing financial hardship due to the effort to contain COVID-19 are eligible for this assistance. To apply for this cash assistance program those affected can send their phone number, valid ID with current address, paystub, and an explanation of what you do at work to info@flapillinois.org. Utility Billing Relief Program The Mayor’s Office has launched the Utility Billing Relief UBR Program to help low-income residents come into compliance on water bill payments. This program will operate in partnership with CEDA of Cook County and helps to prevent residents from having to make difficult choices between paying for utilities and other critical goods and services. The UBR Program will provide Chicago residents with a reduced rate on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax; remove late payment penalties or debt collection activity; and debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year with no past due balance. For more information about the Utility Relief Program or to sign up please visit Chicago.gov/ubr.
Pay Cook County property taxes through October 1 with no penalty
Second Installment Cook County property tax bills are due August 3, 2020, but property owners have two extra months to pay without a late fee.
Property owners can pay the Second Installment without a late fee through October 1. To download a copy of your tax bill or to make a payment, visit cookcountytreasurer.com:
* Select the blue box labeled "Pay Online for Free"
* Search by property address or enter your Property Index Number (PIN)
* There is no fee if you pay from your bank account
* Search $75 million in available refunds going back 20 years
* See if you are missing out on $34 million in senior exemptions going back four years
CITY OF CHICAGO NEWS UPDATES
June 12, 2020
Dear Chicagoan,
A few days ago you should have received an email from the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund notifying you of your unique opportunity to access the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). I wanted to reach out to make sure you received that email and that you are aware of this opportunity available only to business owners like yourself that have completed the City of Chicago debt check process through the Resiliency Fund.
As you may now, Congress recently passed measures to revise the terms of the PPP loan to make it more attractive and flexible for business owners. These changes will extend the period for loan forgiveness, lower the amount that must be used for payroll and extend the term of the loan to five years. There is still a significant amount of funding available for PPP loans. However, we strongly recommend that interested applicants pursue this opportunity immediately, as the application will close soon. APPLY TODAY This opportunity is available through the City’s partnership with Accion Serving Illinois and Indiana (Accion) and Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF). The deadline for beginning an application is Monday, June 15th.
You can borrow up to two and a half times your average monthly payroll expense from 2019.
The portion of loan proceeds used to cover payroll and other compensation expenses, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities during the first 24 weeks after you close on your PPP loan may be forgiven.
The amount that is not forgiven remains structured as a loan and must be repaid over 5 years. The interest rate is 1% and no payments are required for the first six months. PPP loans through Accion and CRF can go up to $100,000.
Please note that you cannot receive multiple PPP loans. If you have already applied for a PPP loan but have not yet engaged with a lender from that bank, you are welcome to apply through us. However, if you have already had contact with a lender at a bank, we encourage you to continue your existing application process through that bank as it is unlikely you will receive funding faster through this program.
If you have immediate questions please click here.
Due to SBA regulations, the following documents will be required:
For corporations and LLCs:
Business tax return (signed)
Personal tax return for the owner(s) (signed)
Government-issued ID
Articles of incorporation
Payroll documentation: 2019 IRS form 940, OR 2019 IRS form 941 for all 4 quarters
For sole proprietors:
Business tax return (signed)
Personal tax return for the owner(s) (signed)
Government-issued ID
Business license
Payroll documentation
More than one employee: 2019 IRS form 940, OR 2019 IRS form 941 for all 4 quarters
The 51st Street Business Association, like all community groups and organizations in Chicago will be working diligently to keep our community updated on the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a delegate agency of the City of Chicago we will be in constant contact with the City of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. As they update us we will immediately get information out to you. As with any health situation it is always best to follow precautions and preventive methods that are defined by the City of Chicago's Department of Public Health. Listed below are some precaution activities that the Governor and Mayor has mandated and recommended.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 Update (last updated March 15, 2020) The goal of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is to reduce the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by detecting new cases quickly and providing guidance to communities to help minimize transmission. CDPH continues to work closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal, state and local partners to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. The virus seems to be spreading easily from person to person and we encourage everyone to take measures to reduce the risk of exposure. Everyone has a role to play in getting ready and staying healthy.
What you need to knowReported Illinois cases: There have been 105 cases of COVID-19 identified in Illinois so far. As this outbreak has spread globally, CDPH is tracking it closely and is using data to guide its response. Individuals and communities should familiarize themselves with recommendations to protect themselves and their communities from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. Older people and people with severe chronic conditions should take special precautions because they are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. They should limit travel and should not attend large gatherings unless it is essential.
K-12 schools - Chicago Public Schools will be closed beginning March 17 through at least March 31. CPS will work to ensure students are engaged throughout their time away from the classroom and will provide meals to all students in need. All CPS families will be able to pick up meals outside of their nearest CPS school beginning March 17, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Monday-Friday throughout the closure.
Chicago’s network of food providers stand ready to support families during the closure. A full list of locations is available at chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food/.
Limited recreational and enrichment activities will be offered in a safe setting at select Chicago Park District facilities. A list of site locations will be made available at cps.edu/coronavirus. Childcare facilities and colleges/universities - Closure of childcare facilities is still voluntary. See CDPH’s COVID-19 Guidance for Childcare Programs.
Businesses and employers should actively encourage all employees to stay home when sick, perform hand hygiene, and cover coughs and sneezes. Businesses should review their emergency operations plan, including identification of essential business functions, teleworking and flexible sick leave policies. For more information, see CDPH’s COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses and Employers.
Community- and faith-based organizations should review existing emergency operations plans, including strategies for social distancing and modifying large gatherings. Community-based organizations should take steps to protect both the clients they serve and their employees. See CDPH’s COVID-19 Guidance for Community- and Faith-based Organizations.
Support people returning from COVID-19 quarantine and help reduce the spread of rumors by letting people know that viruses cannot target people from specific populations, ethnicities, or racial backgrounds.
Please follow instructions during this time. Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow the spread of this virus.
SUPPORT YOU LOCAL 51ST STREET BUSINESSES
United Loans....50% Discount!
Value Zone Funiture….Up to 50% in Savings!
Golo Gas Station....10% Discount on Gas!
Sharks....Family Meal Deals!
Skidoes…….Breakfast Deals!
Red Apple
Irie Jerk Grill....10% Discount!
City of Chicago |Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC) Program
Dear Chicagoan,
Thank you very much to everyone that attended this morning’s briefing. I want to follow up from that meeting to send the slide deck and reiterate the requirement for all bars and restaurants to follow our public health guidelines for safe and responsible operations under phase four. Like many of you, I am thrilled that we have made enough progress in the fight against COVID-19 to gradually resume operations during phase four. However, I want to remind everyone that we are still in the midst of a health crisis the likes of which our city has never seen before. We are watching closely the developments in other states and we cannot let our cautious reopening come at the expense of the health of our community.
To reiterate the critical importance of these health guidelines, I have directed my enforcement team to take appropriate action this weekend to enforce the phase four guidance. Citations for violating the requirements to socially distance, wear face coverings and limit capacity can lead to fines of up to $10,000 and we will not hesitate to issue citations. And, in egregious cases, we will be issuing immediate closures. I am asking you all- do not be the reason why our COVID-19 cases spike.
All businesses should know the guidelines and, while the vast majority of businesses are following the rules, there is no excuse for some of the egregious crowding or blatant disregard for social distancing and face covering I saw last weekend. This cannot continue - the time for education is over.
For more information about the phase four guidelines, visit chicago.gov/reopening and read this flyer made specifically for liquor licensees during phase four. As a reminder, per the Phase Four guidelines, we strongly encourage liquor licensees to use a reservation system to minimize lines outside your establishment. It is the responsibility of the licensee to ensure that six feet of social distancing is maintained in any line inside or outside of your establishment. Here is a brief overview of additional requirements that must be followed – violations of these will lead to citations or closure:
Indoor occupancy must be limited to 25% capacity or 50 people per room or floor, whichever is fewer;
Tables must be placed six feet apart, with no more than ten people per table;
Face coverings must worn by customers and employees, except when seated and eating or drinking; and,
All patrons must be seated while eating or drinking.
We know that this has been and continues to be an incredibly challenging time for all types of businesses throughout Chicago. I want to thank each and every one of you for the sacrifices you have made over the last few months – without your hard work and dedication we would not have made so much health progress. However, as we have seen in other states, we know that reopening unsafely and quickly can lead to spikes in cases. At the end of the day, this is about keeping our residents healthy and safe. While we do not want to do so, we will not hesitate to move back to phase three if the data makes it necessary. That is why your continued dedication to these reopening guidelines is critical to our ongoing health and safety.
I will be watching the developments of this weekend closely. I thank you in advance for your cooperation and for your ongoing commitment to reopening safely and cautiously.
