Articles under General
Mayor Lightfoot Announces Remote Learning Opportunities for Students at Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges of Chicago
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT, THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND FAMILY INDEPENDENCE INITIATIVE (FII) LAUNCH COVID-19 HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2019
CONTACT:
Mayor’s Press Office
312.744.3334
press@cityofchicago.org
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT, THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND FAMILY INDEPENDENCE INITIATIVE (FII) LAUNCH COVID-19 HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
One-time grants available for rent and mortgage payments of Chicago residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Housing (DOH) today announced the creation of a COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grant program to assist Chicagoans who have lost their jobs or otherwise been impacted by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Made possible by a partnership with the Family Independence Initiative (FII), DOH will deploy $2 million from the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund (AHOF) to fund one-time grants to help impacted Chicagoans with rent and mortgage payments.
“Due to the unprecedented impact the COVID-19 crisis, we have a responsibility as a city to support of our residents and families during their urgent time of need,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “This program represents a critical resource not only to our communities but our entire city as we navigate this evolving challenge and ensure every Chicagoan remains safe, healthy and secure.”
The fund will award 2,000 Grants of $1,000 each. Half of these grants will be awarded through a lottery system, while the other half will be distributed by nonprofit community organizations across the city. Chicago residents experiencing temporary financial hardships due to COVID-19 will be able to apply online via the DOH Online Intake Portal at www.chicago.gov/coronavirus and over the phone through community-based organizations. Applicants will be required to demonstrate their economic impact by showing documentation such as a recent unemployment insurance claim, notification of employment status change, as well as proof of household income at or below 60% of the area median income prior to job loss.
“The City of Chicago understands the need to respond quickly to the financial straits so many of our residents find themselves in,” said DOH Commissioner Marisa Novara. “Sudden job loss or reduction in hours has a cascading effect on the ability to pay rent and mortgage, creating housing instability at a time when we need it most. The Dept of Housing is gratified to use its funds to provide relief for our fellow residents. “
Grants are expected to be awarded between early and mid-April. Awardees will receive funds via transfers to their banking institution, PayPal, or CashApp accounts. Delegate agencies are prepared to assist awardees who do not have immediate access to a computer or a bank account. Funding through the City’s online portal will be awarded by a lottery system while nonprofit organizations based throughout the city will distribute funds using their existing neighborhood networks.
“This program will give Chicagoans some desperately needed relief and protection against the economic ravages of COVID-19,” said Ald. Harry Osterman, chair of the City Council’s Housing and Real Estate committee. “We want people to stay in their homes and stay safe. The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grand program will help thousands of Chicagoans do both.”
The Family Independence Initiative (FII) works with families to break the cycle of poverty and achieve economic and social mobility by bridging the information and resource gap to fuel their goals and dreams. FII’s technology platform strengthens social networks and helps provide access to resources that will improve residents’ financial outlook. FII is a partner in the City’s efforts to eliminate poverty in a generation, stemming from a call to action announced by Mayor Lightfoot last month to direct more City resources to address systemic poverty and reduce economic insecurity in Chicago.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated in unprecedented ways exactly what it means to live paycheck to paycheck,” said Ebony Scott Director of the Family Independence Initiative, Chicago. “In the midst of a global health crisis where people are fearful they could lose their jobs or even their lives, they should not have to be concerned that they may lose the roof over their heads, too. This partnership gets cash into their hands to provide them at least some sense of security during this troubling time.”
The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grant is a part of Mayor Lightfoot’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which spans economic relief measures taken for residents, businesses and to ensure a swift and precise health response to protect residents in the face of this unprecedented pandemic. Earlier this week, Mayor Lightfoot announced action to expand shelter and care for populations most vulnerable to COVID-19 and has continued to make progress toward lifting the burden from the City’s healthcare system. The City continues to provide essential services maintained as Chicago remains under a state order issued by Governor Pritzker for residents to stay at home now through April 7th.
For more information and updates on COVID-19, text COVID19 to 78015, email coronavirus@chicago.gov or visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus.
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Mayor Lightfoot Orders the Immediate Closure of the City’s Lakefront, Adjacent Parks, 606 and Riverwalk to the Public
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2019
CONTACT:
Mayor’s Press Office
312.744.3334
press@cityofchicago.org
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT ORDERS THE IMMEDIATE CLOSURE OF THE CITY’S LAKEFRONT, ADJACENT PARKS, 606 AND RIVERWALK TO THE PUBLIC
Despite Stay at Home order, an excessive number of people gathering along the lakefront and in neighborhoods necessitates further action to bend the curve of COVID-19
CHICAGO – In response to the excessive gatherings of people along Chicago’s Lakefront, Riverwalk and 606 Trail this week, effective immediately, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot has issued an executive order closing these spaces to the public until further notice. The Mayor made the announcement alongside city officials and mayors from surrounding communities that are also grappling with the issue of social and congregate gatherings in their communities while the state’s ‘Stay at Home’ order is in effect.
The Mayor’s Executive Order will direct a shutdown of the Lakefront including adjacent trails, green spaces and facilities. In addition, the order provides guidance for residents to make every effort to practice social distancing during recreational activities, such as walking, running or cycling. The order also prohibits contact sports, like basketball and football. These measures are designed to protect the health and safety of residents amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“While our parks and other green spaces offer residents a brief respite during this stay at home order, we simply must take action to prevent the large gatherings that are putting our public health at risk,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “As we work tirelessly to flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we need people to stay at home as much as possible. Our order to temporarily close access to the Lakefront and restrict gatherings has now become a necessary step in our effort to protect people, and to get our city through this crisis as quickly as possible.”
Throughout the week, City officials have observed crowds congregating along the lakefront, in parks, and other public spaces violating the state’s mandate and health guidance, both requiring that residents do not gather in groups to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. To ensure residents comply with the State’s mandate and abstain from non-essential activities, the Chicago Park District Security and the Chicago Police Department will continue to patrol the lakefront and disband people who violate the closure.
“Above all, we want the residents of Chicago to be safe,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly. “This closure is necessary to enforce social distancing and mitigate crowding that is typical along Chicago’s lakefront but threatens the health of our city during this very delicate time.”
The Mayor’s order bans lakefront access to all parkland in Chicago adjoining Lake Michigan, including walking, running and cycling paths, beaches and other recreational facilities. To keep these areas secured, the Chicago Park District is putting in place barricades and other security measures pursuant to the order. Please visit chicagoparkdistrict.com for the full list of closures.
The order also bans access to other Chicago public spaces like Millennium Park, Chicago’s Riverwalk and the 606 Trail. Many alternative routes will still be available to Chicago residents choosing to walk or bike to work during this time, and residents are encouraged to visit Chicago.gov/CDOT to view the city’s network of 248 miles of bike lanes.
“The movement of people who are essential workers and others doing necessary travel must take priority during this unprecedented time. We understand the Mayor’s decision to close the Lakefront and 606 to protect our public health.,” said Melody Geraci, interim executive Director of the Active Transportation Alliance. “Chicagoans should stay home as much as possible and, when spending time outside, they should follow public health guidelines by maintaining social distancing and staying away from busy areas.”
While the Chicago Police Department is empowered to enforce the Mayor’s new order through citations up to $500 and additional measures, the Department is primarily focusing on educating residents about the new order and providing warnings to individuals using these closed spaces. To further ensure compliance with the order, the Department will move forward with issuing citations if individuals don’t adhere to initial warnings from police officers.
“For the most part, Chicagoans have been doing well at maintaining social distancing but with the number of people gathering on the lakefront in recent days, it is necessary that we shut down these areas for the health and safety of our residents,” said Interim Superintendent Beck. “Again, it is the responsibility of every Chicagoan to do their part to help keep each other safe and following this order will save the lives of our fellow neighbors.”
On Wednesday, Mayor Lightfoot joined Commissioner Allison Arwady of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and other city officials to remind residents of important guidance to adhere to during the state’s order, and as public health officials work to stem the spread of the virus. Chicagoans are still able, and encouraged, to do the following during this time:
- Go for a short walk or runs but maintain physical distance from others while doing so, preferably in their own neighborhoods.
- Walk their dog, but do not congregate at the dog park or beach.
- Shop at the grocery stores that remain open, as long as, you are not sick, and practice social distancing.
- Continue visiting the restaurants that remain open for pick-up and delivery.
“As we have learned from watching how other countries have responded to this outbreak, the best way for us to contain this virus is to practice proper social distancing,” said Dr. Arwady. “This doesn’t mean you can’t go outside for fresh air, walk your dog or go for a run. It just means you have to do it the right way, by keeping your distance from others and not congregating in groups.”
Chicago Park District’s facilities and field-houses will remain closed for the duration of the stay at home order. Currently, the District’s green spaces and parks remain open, and the City will monitor park activity in the event more closures are necessary to prevent large gatherings and congregations of people during the stay at home order.
Under Governor Pritzker’s ‘Stay at Home’ Order, which went into effect on March 21, residents of Chicago and across the state are mandated to stay at home as much as possible, and to limit occasions for leaving their homes, unless it is to: retrieve essential goods or services, go work if they are an essential employee, seek medical care, or to get fresh air for brief amounts of time while practicing social distancing. The order was issued out of an abundance of caution to safeguard the public health and prevent further spread in the community and is expected to last through April 7, unless otherwise directed.
Additionally, under an order released by CDPH last week, any Chicago resident that has COVID-19 or is displaying symptoms must stay at home during this time unless seeking emergency medical care. This order was issued out of an abundance of caution to safeguard the public health and prevent further spread in the community.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the City is launching the Stay Home, Save Lives campaign to inform residents about how they can stay healthy and do their part to bend the curve of the virus. For more information and updates on COVID-19, text COVID19 to 78015, email coronavirus@chicago.gov or visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus.
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Fact Sheet #2: COVID-19 and the Chicago Region’s Water Infrastructure
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce
Dear Business Owners and Operators,
There has been some additional information to share with you regarding stimulus and relief programs through our government entities:
FEDERAL RELIEF
The $2 Trillion stimulus package has a lot of information to digest and the full package has not been released or fully voted on just yet. Once we have the final version, we will pass it on to you. We do have some important information from this package that you can review regarding the Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act.
The Stimulus package will provide direct payments by mailing out checks:
$1,200 for those under $75,000 annual salary
(phase out up to $99,000)
families $500 each child
$2400 for married couples
independent contractors under review in this package
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has outlined some new relief for Hospitality and Small businesses. Emergency Loan funds and hospitality grant opportunities should be a available on their website on Friday.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements
Employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.[1] The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020. VISIT THE US LABOR WEBSITE for more information.
Governor Pritzker stated in today’s conference Fannie Mae has agreed to work with their customers on term mortgages. Many banks will also talk to you about a 90 day hold on your mortgage to be paid on the back end of your term.
Some businesses are still filing for business interruption insurance in hopes insurance companies may have to pay out. Insurance companies are currently denying these claims, however businesses are still making the claim.
The Chicago Police Department will begin ticketing any groups of people that are outside and not following the stay at home rules. If you see something, please call 911.
Our security will continue to work overnight until further notice.
Please be safe and please visit our website for the latest updates.
Pappas: Auction of delinquent Cook County property taxes postponed indefinitely
Chicago announces additional supports and services in place for seniors in Chicago
Definition of Essential Workers from Executive Order
The following is the definition of Essential Workers outlined in the COVID-19 Executive Order No. 8.
12. Essential Businesses and Operations. For the purposes of this Executive Order, Essential Businesses and Operations means Healthcare and Public Health Operations, Human Services Operations, Essential Governmental Functions, and Essential Infrastructure, and the following:1
a. Stores that sell groceries and medicine. Grocery stores, pharmacies, certified farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of groceries, canned food, dry goods, frozen foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supplies, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products). This includes stores that sell groceries, medicine, including medication not requiring a medical prescription, and also that sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and Essential Businesses and Operations;
b. Food, beverage, and cannabis production and agriculture. Food and beverage manufacturing, production, processing, and cultivation, including farming, livestock, fishing, baking, and other production agriculture, including cultivation, marketing, production, and distribution of animals and goods for consumption; licensed medical and adult use cannabis dispensaries and licensed cannabis cultivation centers; and businesses that provide food, shelter, and other necessities of life for animals, including animal shelters, rescues, shelters, kennels, and adoption facilities;
c. Organizations that provide charitable and social services. Businesses and religious and secular nonprofit organizations, including food banks, when providing food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency, and people with disabilities;
d. Media. Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services;
e. Gas stations and businesses needed for transportation. Gas stations and auto-supply, autorepair, and related facilities and bicycle shops and related facilities;
f. Financial institutions. Banks, currency exchanges, consumer lenders, including but not limited, to payday lenders, pawnbrokers, consumer installment lenders and sales finance lenders, credit unions, appraisers, title companies, financial markets, trading and futures exchanges, affiliates of financial institutions, entities that issue bonds, related financial institutions, and institutions selling financial
products;
g. Hardware and supply stores. Hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating material;
h. Critical trades. Building and Construction Tradesmen and Tradeswomen, and other trades including but not limited to plumbers, electricians, exterminators, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, operating engineers, HVAC, painting, moving and relocation services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses and Operations;
i. Mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services. Post offices and other businesses that provide shipping and delivery services, and businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, goods or services to end users or through commercial channels;
j. Educational institutions. Educational institutions—including public and private pre-K-12 schools, colleges, and universities—for purposes of facilitating distance learning, performing critical research, or performing essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible. This Executive Order is consistent with and does not amend or supersede Executive Order 2020-05 (COVID-19 Executive Order No. 3) or Executive Order 2020-06 (COVID-19 Executive Order No. 4) except that affected schools are ordered closed through April 7, 2020;
k. Laundry services. Laundromats, dry cleaners, industrial laundry services, and laundry service providers;
l. Restaurants for consumption off-premises. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for consumption off-premises, through such means as in-house delivery, third-party delivery, drive-through, curbside pick-up, and carry-out. Schools and other entities that typically provide food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so under this Executive Order on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and takeaway basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site due to the virus’s propensity to physically impact surfaces and personal property. This Executive Order is consistent with and does not amend or supersede Section 1 of Executive Order 2020-07 (COVID-19 Executive Order No. 5) except that Section 1 is ordered to be extended through April 7, 2020;
m. Supplies to work from home. Businesses that sell, manufacture, or supply products needed for people to work from home;
n. Supplies for Essential Businesses and Operations. Businesses that sell, manufacture, or supply other Essential Businesses and Operations with the support or materials necessary to operate, including computers, audio and video electronics, household appliances; IT and telecommunication equipment; hardware, paint, flat glass; electrical, plumbing and heating material; sanitary equipment; personal hygiene products; food, food additives, ingredients and components; medical and orthopedic equipment; optics and photography equipment; diagnostics, food and beverages, chemicals, soaps and detergent; and firearm and ammunition suppliers and retailers for purposes of safety and security;
o. Transportation. Airlines, taxis, transportation network providers (such as Uber and Lyft), vehicle rental services, paratransit, and other private, public, and commercial transportation and logistics providers necessary for Essential Activities and other purposes expressly authorized in this Executive Order;
p. Home-based care and services. Home-based care for adults, seniors, children, and/or people with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, and/or mental illness, including caregivers such as nannies who may travel to the child’s home to provide care, and other in-home services including meal delivery;
q. Residential facilities and shelters. Residential facilities and shelters for adults, seniors, children, and/or people with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, and/or mental illness;
r. Professional services. Professional services, such as legal services, accounting services, insurance services, real estate services (including appraisal and title services);
s. Day care centers for employees exempted by this Executive Order. Day care centers granted an emergency license pursuant to Title 89, Section 407.400 of the Illinois Administrative Code, governing Emergency Day Care Programs for children of employees exempted by this Executive Order to work as permitted. The licensing requirements for day care homes pursuant to Section 4 of the Child Care Act, 225 ILCS 10/4, are hereby suspended for family homes that receive up to 6 children for the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation.
t. Manufacture, distribution, and supply chain for critical products and industries. Manufacturing companies, distributors, and supply chain companies producing and supplying essential products and services in and for industries such as pharmaceutical, technology, biotechnology, healthcare, chemicals and sanitization, waste pickup and disposal, agriculture, food and beverage, transportation, energy, steel and steel products, petroleum and fuel, mining, construction, national defense, communications, as well as products used by other Essential Businesses and Operations.
u. Critical labor union functions. Labor Union essential activities including the administration of health and welfare funds and personnel checking on the well-being and safety of members providing services in Essential Businesses and Operations – provided that these checks should be done by telephone or remotely where possible.
v. Hotels and motels. Hotels and motels, to the extent used for lodging and delivery or carry-out food services.
w. Funeral services. Funeral, mortuary, cremation, burial, cemetery, and related services.
1 On March 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security
Agency, issued a Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During
COVID-19 Response. The definition of Essential Businesses and Operations in this Order is meant to
encompass the workers identified in that Memorandum.
CITY OF CHICAGO PROVIDES FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR TRANSPORTATION DURING STATE’S STAY AT HOME ORDER