{"id":2458586,"date":"2020-05-18T23:12:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-19T05:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/news\/aspens-arts-culture-scene-gets-help-from-citys-relief-fund\/"},"modified":"2020-05-19T08:58:03","modified_gmt":"2020-05-19T14:58:03","slug":"aspens-arts-culture-scene-gets-help-from-citys-relief-fund","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/local-news\/aspens-arts-culture-scene-gets-help-from-citys-relief-fund\/","title":{"rendered":"Aspen\u2019s arts, culture scene gets help from city\u2019s relief fund"},"content":{"rendered":"
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City of Aspen COVID-19 economic relief and recovery package by the numbers:<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at how the city of Aspen has released funds from its $6 million spending authority in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis:<\/p>\n

\u2022 $500,000 for financial assistance to Aspen residents pertaining to housing, utilities, food and childcare assistance, utilizing the Pitkin County needs assessment program already in place.<\/p>\n

The city issued a $200,000 payment on April 23 to the Aspen Community Foundation. A local donor matched this payment for a total amount of $400,000. It was made available as a grant to Pitkin County for housing, food, utility or other financial assistance.<\/p>\n

There is currently $300,000 remaining in city coffers committed to the Pitkin County financial assistance program. It is anticipated that these funds will be released to the county in the immediate future, and is projected that the dollars have already been consumed but have not yet been requested.<\/p>\n

\u2022 $3 million for distribution through the Aspen Community Foundation; through nonprofits providing legal and mental health services; through loans and grants for small businesses; for purchases of personal protective equipment and for temporary staffing, or resource needs for the city administration to implement recovery and relief outcomes.<\/p>\n

The city issued a $250,000 payment on May 8 to the Aspen Community Foundation for the Aspen to Parachute Relief Fund. These dollars were granted for distribution to Aspen Family Connections; Catholic Charities; Family Resource Center; Roaring Fork School District; Family Resource Center; Garfield School District 16; La Medichi, which is a project of Manaus; River Center of New Castle; Valley Settlement; Lift-Up; Food Bank of the Rockies, Western Slope; Aspen Hope Center; Aspen Strong; Mind Springs Health; Mental Health Fund at Aspen Community Foundation; and Alpine Legal Services.<\/p>\n

\u2022 $1 million for the commercial rent assistance program in which local businesses can receive up to $14,000 toward three months of rent, based on meeting eligibility criteria.<\/p>\n

\u2022 In addition to the commercial rent assistance grant program, the city administration has earmarked $600,000 for a revolving loan program for small businesses.<\/p>\n

\u2022 $26,500 for personal protective equipment of 10,000 disposable masks, plus 2,000 buffs.<\/p>\n

for distribution to the general public.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Additional grant awards to local arts and culture nonprofits in the amount of $396,000 through the Wheeler Real Estate Transfer Tax Fund and the city general fund.<\/p>\n

\u2022 $1.5 million for direct rental or mortgage assistance for individuals residing in deed-restricted, affordable housing units overseen by the Aspen Pitkin County Housing Authority.<\/p>\n

The city is working directly with the county to help stretch its dollars by applying this funding to cover the financial assistance for shelter for individuals in ownership or rental situations provided they are in deed restricted APCHA qualified units. Pitkin County Human Services and the City\u2019s Finance Department, with further assistance from APCHA, have been working collaboratively to identify all qualifying applicants. The county is preparing an invoice for records reviewed through May 4, which totals roughly $490,000. City funds will be released immediately to the county once that invoice is received.<\/p>\n

\u2022 $1 million for child care support ranging from additional financial aid; ensuring childcare program staffing, safety and operations; and for any city administration resources needed to implement desired outcomes.<\/p>\n

With the gradual reopening of child care programs pending, much of the intended funding for financial aid has yet to be released. As such, the bulk of this funding remains in city coffers until the time it is needed. The city administration has earmarked funding for other support, including an increased enrollment subsidy amount to help providers financially while they are restricted to smaller class sizes during this time ($75,000 estimate); reimbursement funding for additional cleaning services and supplies for these provider spaces ($35,000 estimate); office improvements at the Yellow Brick to meet social distancing requirements ($55,000 estimate); and possible increased infant capacity at CMC campus ($75,000 estimate).<\/p>\n

Source: City of Aspen<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Aspen City Council agreed Monday to earmarking as much as $400,000 for recovery grants to arts and cultural organizations amid the COVID-19 crisis.<\/p>\n

Council members were unanimous in supporting the visual and performing arts organizations, recognizing that they are major attractants for visitors in a tourism-based economy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are the drivers of our business and we need to support them,\u201d Councilwoman Rachel Richards said during a work session<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The grants, which will be as much as 10% of a nonprofit\u2019s budget, will not exceed $30,000.<\/p>\n

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