Mayor Arreguin Reactivates the Berkeley Relief Fund & Urges Residents to Support Small Business on Black Friday

November 27, 2020

The Berkeley Relief Fund Has Raised and Distributed Over $4.43 Million to Help Struggling Businesses and Tenants During the Pandemic

BERKELEY–Today, with the holiday season here and COVID-19 shutdowns casting a shadow of economic uncertainty, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin announced the reactivation of the Berkeley Relief Fund. The new round of funding will contribute to the community “match” of $3 million from the Berkeley City Council back in March. The Mayor also announced the launch of a new campaign in conjunction with the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce to support local businesses and #BuyBerkeley.

“Giving back to the community has always been a hallmark of the holiday season, and the adversity we faced in 2020 highlights the urgent need to support our at-risk businesses and residents,” said Mayor Arreguin. “It has been over eight months since COVID-19 transformed the world we live in, and with a new surge in cases, it is more important than ever to assist those who risk losing everything.”

Launched March 17–the same day the Bay Area’s shelter in place began–the Berkeley Relief Fund allocated $3 million in general funds to provide gap assistance to renters, small businesses and arts organizations significantly impacted by the COVID-19 state of emergency. Fundraising efforts in March and April from both small donors and philanthropies raised approximately $1.5 million. The funding allocations were as follows:

· $1.67 million to 700 small businesses, including 251 restaurants, 142 retail establishments, 85 personal services, and 222 other businesses.

· $955k to 63 arts organizations.

· Over $1 million from March-June to 214 households of tenants financially impacted as a result of the COVID-19 state of emergency.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 18% of American renters have fallen behind on rent payments as of November 9, including a third of African American renters. The City of Berkeley approved an eviction moratorium during the local state of emergency relating to COVID-19, and tenants have up to a year after the local state of emergency ends to repay back rent.

The City of Berkeley is home to approximately 5,000 small businesses and over 150 arts organizations, playing a crucial role in the local economy. In 2018, 42% of all active businesses in Berkeley identified as minority owned and nearly 20% of startups in Berkeley have at least one woman founder.

With many businesses relying on holiday sales to stay afloat the Mayor also joined business community leaders to encourage Berkeley residents and visitors to shop locally this holiday season and #BuyBerkeley.

“Many of the restaurants and businesses that are a huge part of the fabric of this community have already gone under,” said Amy Murray, Executive Chef and Director at Revival Bark and Kitchen. “Those of us that remain are counting on holiday sales to make sure we’re here next year.”

Over 125 local businesses are participating in the campaign, providing holiday specials and contests. Details can be found at www.berkeleyholidays.com.

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