Kansas City mayor proposes $500,000 to help small businesses in coronavirus economy
With just hours left until stay-at-home orders across the metro area were to take effect, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas is turning his attention to how to help the businesses that may be devastated because of the novel coronavirus.
Lucas on Monday announced he would introduce an amendment to the city’s annual budget, proposing a $500,000 fund to assist small, locally owned businesses that may suffer as Kansas Citians shelter at home. Funding could range from $5,000 to $15,000.
Since before the coronavirus, or COVID-19, began spreading in earnest in Kansas City, Lucas has talked of the possible implications for local businesses. And until he issued orders to shut down restaurant dine-in service, he was encouraging residents to support local eateries. He has since broadcast his support of restaurants by ordering carryout.
In a news release, Lucas said the fund would be a “lifeline to the businesses impacted the most.”
“My heart breaks for all of our small, local businesses and their employees who are suffering during this public health crisis,” Lucas said. “I applaud the painful steps our small businesses have already taken to protect our community — now, it’s our turn to step up and protect them. This fund would help provide a lifeline to the businesses impacted the most.”
Coronavirus has already taken a toll on Kansas City businesses. Restaurants have laid off workers. Several major conventions expected to hold events at Bartle Hall and fill rooms at the brand new Loews Kansas City Convention Center Hotel have canceled. The hotel pushed back its grand opening.
Lucas first proposed the idea of finding room in the budget to help combat the economic impacts of coronavirus last week.
Council members passed the proposed budget 6-1 in a winding and at-times difficult to follow committee meeting attended in person by only Lucas and Councilwoman Katheryn Shields, 4th District at-large. The rest of the committee attended via videoconference.
Shields hoped the full council would pass the budget last week, but enough members protested after the technical glitches endured at committee that the council held it until this week. They are expected to vote Thursday.
In Topeka, efforts were underway Monday to raise a $2 million fund for businesses from private and public sources, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal. Assuming the effort can raise an initial $1 million, the city and county’s economic development organization is expected to consider contributing another $1 million in matching funds.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 3:28 PM.
