Arlington Residents and Friends,

As we continue to respond to COVID 19, your best daily source of information is by going to this page: [link removed] and scrolling to the bottom, and then signing up for updates.

I will continue to amplify our work and information as well as provide perspective based on the ideals we share, but please sign up for the daily updates as we must work together to stop this deadly virus.
Cover your Face When Social Distancing Difficult or When in Doubt ([link removed])
The biggest and most important change in COVID 19 response this week is the CDC and Arlington County's encouragement to cover your face. We are recommending you do this to provide protection when you go to the grocery store or to get medicine in particular. We caution that doing so is not a substitute for social distancing but is a recommended step. Please click on the link and follow our Public Health Director Dr. Rueben Varghese's directions.
[link removed]
Watch the County Board's Budget Work Session via the this 25 minute video with the first few minutes the big picture regarding this DRAFT budget
The County Board met virtually again on Monday evening in a work session on the County Manager's revised proposed budget. Under the circumstances, I believe the Manager's budget is realistic and prioritizes those most in need.
Summary of County's Proposed FY 2021 Budget ([link removed])
With respect to the specifics of the proposed budget, the economic downturn resulting from the pandemic leads to an anticipated $56 million reduction in funding for Fiscal year 21, which begins on July 1 of this year. The Manager advertises a flat tax rate, which would result in higher tax revenues because assessments are up. I believe the additional funding we will have from a flat tax rate will be critical in making sure we have the resources for those most in need. The Manager proposed $10 million specifically to respond to COVID 19 needs, of which $2.7 million is for housing, above and beyond increases in housing grants and funding in the proposed budget. Evictions are barred through the end of April, but this contingent funding would go towards helping renters avoid losing their apartments over the coming year.
PBS 5 Minute Video on Busboys, Whitlow's and Arlington Servers ([link removed])
As we think about the budget, please know that no County staff would receive raises under the proposed budget. (Raises were in the pre-COVID draft, but all are not in this one.) I think that is the difficult, but correct choice as we brace for the economic challenges ahead--we should and will prioritize not laying off staff due to the pandemic above raises at this time. We have a work session on April 16th and a hearing on April 30th as we work to finalize the budget, so there will be time for input. If you have thoughts feel free to email me.

The above video tells the story of Arlington's restaurants and servers who I think we must keep in mind as we work on the budget. We went from 19 unemployment claims before the crisis to more than 2600 as of last Friday. We must maintain services for those most in need, and keep real estate tax relief focused on those who qualify for our targeted deferral and abatement program which has income and asset limits.
Ok that's Enough for on the Budget;
What are you doing to help?
I have been continuing to focus on how I can help with the effort to feed more people and have been working to help those who are directly serving the homeless. On hunger, we have APS and County staff working on this with the help of volunteer leaders: APS is going from 5 sites to 7 sites starting on Monday, and we are working to feed more individuals as quickly as we can.

On homeless direct service providers, we have been working to support those at ASPAN, Doorways, Bridges, and New Hope Housing, among others. The Arlington Community Foundation is doing a lot: [link removed].

The County is also paying those who work within 6 feet of County residents in need via an appropriate, targeted hourly safety pay bump for County staff. We are working on added support for direct homeless service providers over the coming days. However, if you want to join me in my individual capacity in helping my new friend Christine Frye with a targeted contribution to those on the frontlines, please go here:
Help Homeless Service Workers with $5 an hour During COVID ([link removed])
We are $1340 and counting toward the $28,000 we want to raise for the bump to help those who feed and house the homeless directly. This is a targeted worthy cause that I have chipped in on, so I ask for your help if and only if you can help. Please click above to pitch in as able.
Updated Small Business Resources ([link removed])
Last, two updates on how the County is continuing to work for you. Click on the link above for small business resources: the County Manager proposed a $630K small business support program in addition to the Federal Cares Act which is open for applications, but the above page provides resources at your fingertips to order food and for your business.

As far as answering your questions and communicating what is happening on COVID 19 response, please click on the link below for information about the town hall we are doing tomorrow at 12 noon, which will focus on business resources.
COVID 19 Response Town Hall Tomorrow, Friday at 12 noon ([link removed])
Thank you for all you are doing to stay home, cover your face when out, and stop the spread of this terrible virus.

Sincerely,

Matt

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Matt for Arlington . 2001 15th St N Apt 506 . Arlington, VA 22201-2693 . USA