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Business Recovery Survey In early 2022, the City conducted a business recovery/needs survey to provide an understanding of needs and concerns of local businesses as they were recovering from the pandemic. The results of the survey were previously shared with the City Council and are now helping to form the development of an updated Economic Development Strategic Plan. Outdoor Dining Grant Programs Downtown Outdoor Parklet Grant Program At its February 1, 2022, meeting, the City Council approved an allocation of $250,000 to fund the Downtown Parklet Grant Program. To support downtown businesses interested in participating in the Downtown Outdoor Parklet Grant Program, the City offers grants up to 50 percent of the total cost, not to exceed $10,000 for reimbursement of qualified expenses related to the outdoor parklet. T. Approved parklet applicants may apply for the grant program through March 1, 2023, until available funding has been exhausted, or until a date otherwise determined by the City Council. To date, the City has received five applications for the grant program; three have been approved for a total amount of $25,754. Additional documentation is needed to complete the review process for the remaining two applications. To be eligible to receive grant funds, the business must obtain approval from the City to construct a parklet. To date, nine parklet applications have been submitted to the City; six are approved and one is in the encroachment permit process. Outdoor Dining Installation Grant Program At its March 15, 2022, meeting, the City Council approved an allocation of $250,000 to fund the Outdoor Dining Installation Grant Program. To provide financial assistance to eating establishments interested in constructing a semi-permanent outdoor dining area, the City offers grants up to 50 percent of the total cost, not to exceed $10,000 for reimbursement of eligible expenses related to the design and installation of the outdoor eating area. Approved applicants may apply for the grant program through April 1, 2023, until available funding has been exhausted, or until a date otherwise determined by the City Council. The City has received one application, which is currently in the review process. DISCUSSION By early 2023, widespread COVID-19 vaccinations, effective treatments for the virus, and community immunity from vaccinations and prior exposures warrant the termination of this local emergency concurrently with the repeal of the State's emergency declaration, and ending the related delegation authority to the City Manager to award and execute contracts during the emergency as of February 28, 2023. The Council's action to rescind the emergency declaration will also conclude the Business Assistance Program. Additionally, staff recommends the Council extend the deadline date for the downtown parklet and outdoor dining grant program to June 30, 2024 to coincide with the end of the fiscal year. While these programs commenced in early 2022, participation in the Page 5 of 6