Two programs aim to boost Concord businesses

CONCORD, CA — The city of Concord has been working diligently to not only help residents but to support the small business community as well.

I am pleased to announce a new grant program that will provide 95 businesses with much-needed rent relief. The City Council approved $1 million in Measure V funding to create a commercial rent relief program, which will offer one-time grants of $10,000 to local small businesses.

Applications open at 8 a.m. Monday, April 26, and close at 5 p.m. Friday, May 14. For more information, visit concordfirst.com.

I am also excited to share that we will relaunch the “Shop Concord” gift card program soon. The city and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce created “Shop Concord” in November 2020 to help support the city’s small businesses by encouraging residents to shop locally during the holiday season. When the campaign relaunches, the city will kick it off with a $10,000 contribution. Those who purchase a $20 gift card will receive a $10 bonus, and $50 gift card purchasers will get a $25 bonus. Visit concordfirst.com for updates.

To support residents across the county, the city of Concord was honored to partner with Contra Costa Health Services and Kaiser Permanente to help expand vaccine distribution. On March 30, a drive-through vaccination site began operating at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Concord. I was excited to have been a part of the press conference and opening day of the clinic.

We all know Hurricane Harbor as a fun and exciting waterpark for all ages, but unfortunately, like many other businesses, it has been closed to help get a handle on this deadly virus. I am grateful that this venue can now benefit families in a different way.

Contra Costa Health Services has done an amazing job with distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. Not only was the county the first in the state to make the vaccine available to everyone 16 and older, but as of April 5, 476,064 people have been partially vaccinated and 271,345 have been fully vaccinated.

I want to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and then make sure that your family (including your teenage and young adult children), friends and neighbors know how to make vaccine appointments. Contra Costa Health Services also has “Help Your Neighbor Get Vaccinated” resources available at coronavirus.cchealth.org/appointment-guide.

Lastly, I want to share information about the latest “Concord Connected” podcast. On the April 1 episode, I check in with Lavonna Martin, director of the county’s Department of Health, Housing and Homeless Services. Lavonna tells us how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our unsheltered residents and how the Coordinated Outreach Referral and Engagement (CORE) team is supporting the Concord community. You can find all the podcasts on Apple, Spotify or Soundcloud. For direct links, visit cityofconcord.org/news.

I am proud of the city of Concord and its residents for continuing to work together to help one another and the community, and I look forward to the months ahead.

Mayor Tim McGallian can be reached at 925.671.2489 or email Tim.McGallian@cityofconcord.org