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Hamilton County Commission Vice President Alicia Reece has commenced the launch of the Hamilton County COVID-19 Economic Recovery & Relief Task Force. The goal of her multi-pronged plan is to immediately help people in Hamilton County, who are suffering from the effects of COVID-19. With an unanimous vote, the Board of Commissioners last week approved the resolution that Reece will lead this worthwhile effort.
“We know this is a very tough time for people. We know in January, February and March, the rent is due. The mortgage is due. We want to do everything we can in a quick efficient way,” said Reece.
This year, Hamilton County continues to be confronted by economic challenges associated with the ongoing global health pandemic spurred by COVID-19. These economic challenges continue to threaten the livelihood and quality of life of everyone working and living in Hamilton County. Significant uncertainty remains in the global, national, and local economy and in Hamilton County, the unemployment rate remains high. Moody’s Analytics reported that nationwide nearly 10 million renters are behind on rental payments, and in Hamilton County the demand for homeless services remains at an elevated rate due to the impacts of COVID-19. In addition, local small businesses in Hamilton County continue to struggle and face ongoing challenges due to COVID-19.
Newly elected to the Hamilton County Commission on November 3, 2020, this comprehensive relief effort led by Reece is her first act in office.
Specifically, the COVID-19 Economic Recovery & Relief Taskforce will focus on tax and rate relief, job retention, re-employment, food, housing, small business relief, infrastructure, transportation, and advocacy at the state and federal level for additional resources to meet the critical needs of Hamilton County residents and businesses. The goal of the COVID-19 taskforce is to expand upon the economic and community relief efforts of Hamilton County’s 2020 CARES Act programming by collaborating among county departments, focusing various county efforts, coordinating existing County programs and resources, developing additional initiatives to spur economic relief and enhance residents’ knowledge of and access to these resources, and providing a focused and rapid response to economic challenges facing Hamilton County residents and businesses.
The effort involves two phases:
Phase 1: COVID-19 Economic Recovery & Relief Taskforce Internal Action Team. This group will focus on immediate relief for citizens and businesses.
Phase 2 will create the Economic Recovery & Relief Taskforce External Team. This group will advise the Board on additional long-term prospective policy initiatives to accelerate the recovery of the local economy.
Ultimately, Reece’s Task Force will work on rebuilding the economy and investing in the future of Hamilton County. She also looks forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration to bring more resources to residents and businesses in Hamilton County Ohio.
For more information on the Task Force, visit https://www.facebook.com/HamiltonCountyOhio/videos/552335342393993/?vh=e&d=n