LOC News
CRF Reimbursements Underway; Deadline Extended to May 29
This week, the LOC distributed forms and materials from the state for reimbursement of costs incurred by cities in response to COVID-19. Initially, the wrong forms were released by the state; but that error has since been corrected. The League was able to get an extension of the reimbursement deadline to May 29, by the end of business. The LOC sent an updated announcement out earlier in the week providing updated forms from DAS.
LOC staff has been taking questions this week and will continue to do so. Our recommendations come down to the use of Treasury guidance and its Q&A document. The League also recommends that cities continue tracking their costs and submitting those that are associated with eligible economic assistance. While the state is only reimbursing the public health elements of the first four sections, the LOC is hoping to get a sense of the economic costs as well. For those cities that have not contributed to local financial assistance such as for rent, utility bills, or a grant program, the League would like to know what level of funding will be needed to provide economic relief in these communities.
Going forward, the LOC’s discussions with the state’s leadership team will continue to focus on advocating for economic and financial assistance in communities across the state. There is significant legislative support for state-wide rent and utility bill assistance, and the LOC will advocate for this community level support and make sure the funds are coming from the state’s share of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) resources, which is approximately $950 million. With the $400 million committed by Governor Brown, and $200 million focused on the public health response, the LOC will focus its attention on a framework for an equitable distribution of $200 million for economic assistance not being provided by the state. This will likely highlight small business grant programs comparable to those that more than 30 local governments have already provided in Oregon.
Contact: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director - jmccauley@orcities.org
Last Updated 5/22/20
Related Articles & Resources
- Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Distribution to Local Governments, More Work is Needed - LOC Bulletin (May 15, 2020)
- Coronavirus City Resource Center