Category: Finance

[ECONA] COVID-19 Bulletin #10: Hitting the ‘Rewind’ Button

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2020 • Comments Off

It’s been more than a month since our last bulletin on how coronavirus is affecting the regional economic landscape. Since that time, we’ve gone from cautious reopening to reversals as COVID-19 cases spiked in Arizona. Here’s the latest:

#1. Governor Doug Ducey hits the ‘rewind’ button on reopening with select business closures until at least July 27. Back in early May, the governor accelerated the state’s reopening, citing positive trends in coronavirus infection rates. By mid-May, the statewide stay-at-home order expired and within days of that, cases of COVID-19 began to spike.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds available

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Coconino County families and individuals struggling to pay their utility and/or rental/mortgage bills may qualify for assistance from Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS).

The CCHHS Office of Community and Career Services, a Community Action Agency, administers a Utility Assistance Program called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), as well as a Rental/Mortgage Assistance Program to help County residents.

Flagstaff passes budget, votes to pay down entire public safety pension obligations Mayor Evans: Council decision to save Flagstaff taxpayers $65 million

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

The Flagstaff City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget at their meeting on June 16, 2020, which includes plans to fully fund the city public safety pensions plans. The city has entered into contracts for the issuance of Certificates of Participation debt to address the city’s unfunded pension liability.

Board of Supervisors adopts 2021 County budget

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2020 • Comments Off

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year 2021 budget during its public meeting on June 23. The budget, effective July 1, focuses on service delivery and response to the COVID-19 pandemic and responsible financial planning in light of declining revenue.

“The Board of Supervisors spent considerable time over this year weighing priorities and deliberating this year’s budget,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Coconino County is financially strained from a dramatic loss in state and local sales tax as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The County has demonstrated great fiscal responsibility in this budget to meet the service needs of our community during these challenging times.”

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — DES Virtual – Expansion of Community Partner Communication

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

The Director’s Office of Community Engagement (OCE) at the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) continues to successfully engage with our community partners throughout our programmatic divisions. In continuing this effort, this event will provide the most recent updates from DES’ Senior Leadership about the success of the Virtual Office model across the agency. It will also provide an opportunity to bring information to our statewide Community Partners regarding DES’ efforts to serve Arizonans in a Virtual Environment, how it is tracking the staff productivity, and the importance of this model. During this virtual session, our Director will be sharing his vision of consistent dialogue and a call to action.

Local First Arizona — APS Customer Support Fund

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2020 • Comments Off

For small businesses affected by COVID-19, APS is offering help through a special Customer Support Fund. Current customers on the Extra Small or Small Business Plans who are two months or more past due on their APS bill can receive a bill credit of $1,000. Credits are available to qualified customers until the fund is depleted.

Nine-week Internet-based Summer ’20 BBE business plan training (Session 2) to be held Aug. 4 through Sept. 29

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2020 • Comments Off

Since 2007 Coconino County has been assisting eligible county residents with itsBasic Business Empowerment (BBE) training (www.coconino.az.gov/bbe) and Individual Development Accounts (IDA) match saving grants (www.coconino.az.gov/ida) opportunity. The 9-week, summer 2020 BBE training (session 2) is scheduled to be held 6-9pm, Tuesdays, Aug. 4th through Sept. 29thonly online via a 9-week Zoom Web-based video conferencing format. Coconino County currently contracts facilitation for its BBE training from the Coconino Small Business Development Center which provides additional resources for our BBE participants.

United Way of Northern Arizona — The ‘Land of Inopportunity’

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2020 • Comments Off

A recent report from Save the Children further proves how location can profoundly affect a child’s prospects in this country, and why it is vital that we continue to Step Up for Our Youth in northern Arizona.

The report, called “The Land of Inopportunity,” is a part of the nonprofit’s annual evaluation of how children are faring around the globe. This year, however, Save the Children added a powerful tool that allows regions to see how they measure up – an online interactive map ranking U.S. counties by how well they prioritized and protect children.

The ranking is determined by four factors that “end” childhood: poor education, malnutrition, teenage pregnancy and early death due to ill health, accident, murder or suicide.

CCC students receive more CARES Act funds

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Coconino Community College is continuing to award funds to qualified students from the federal CARES Act stimulus package.

About $100,000 is being awarded to qualifying students for the summer semester.

AARP Hispanic Connection to present ‘Let’s Talk Salud, Dinero y Amor’ on June 13

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2020 • Comments Off

We are getting closer to launching our Saturday morning conversation via FB live. The title will be: Let’s Talk Salud, Dinero y Amor, and we will test a bilingual approach. As of now, this talk will start at 7 am, and will feature community members, leaders, and experts. The graphic for this offering is not ready; do find attached those being used for the other three virtual offerings. Very much looking forward to this conversation. Participants will be able to engage by providing comments and questions. We are working on preparing a phone number for those who want to join by phone.

Our radio show this week addressed Seguro Social: Jubilación Temprana (1). Don’t miss our new weekly series on nutrition and wellness.

CCC advisors get job done ‘virtually’

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2020 • Comments Off

Charlotte Willin appeared on the computer screen via a Zoom video conference with her Coconino Community College advisor Mitch Driebe.

Willin, a student at Northern Arizona University, wants to knock out Physiology & Anatomy 2 during the summer while she is at home in Long Beach, Calif. Her goal is to become an Occupational Therapist.

“I didn’t want to forget anything,” Willin said to Driebe.

Her reason for taking the five-week session at Coconino Community College: It ‘s very affordable.

Willin joins hundreds of other students filling out their class rosters for summer and fall “virtually” with advisors at CCC. The college began offering the service following the campus closures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Local First Arizona Announces Additional $425,000 in Donations for Small Business Relief Fund From Rural Partners and Local Banks

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2020 • Comments Off

Small businesses across Arizona have lost federal dollars to larger companies in urban areas — that is no secret. Lack of access to SBA-partnered community banks limited opportunities for many. Local First Arizona is proud to join forces these three partners to distribute grants — not loans — to businesses across the state.

CCC CARES Act grants available for fall

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2020 • Comments Off

Did you know that you might qualify for money to go to college this fall?

But you will have to apply quickly for federal financial aid.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the federal government has approved funds through the CARES Act to help U.S. citizens attend college.

Coconino Community College has received a share of this money and will distribute it for the Fall semester to students and prospective students who qualify.

ECoNA COVID-19 Bulletin #9: Rapid Employment Training Grants

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2020 • Comments Off

As we gradually move from crisis response to economic recovery, our region’s businesses are poised to reopen and a variety of entities are working to make sure that shift is both safe and successful.

To that end, here are some of the resources you may wish to consult during this time of transition.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Health and Human Services launches Healthy Habits Emergency Saving

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
Healthy Habits Emergency Saving Matching Program
Memorial Day Precautions
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

Bilingual report — Coconino County Health and Human Services launches Healthy Habits Emergency Saving Matching Program

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is launching a program that matches people’s savings while helping them improve their financial habits.

The Healthy Habits Emergency Saving Matching program provides free financial education/coaching and matches participants’ saving over nine months. The longer participants save, the larger the matching ratio becomes – giving participants the opportunity to triple their savings from $225 to $675.

Mini-grants for small businesses from Local First Arizona

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

Local First Arizona has created a Small Business Relief Fund to provide mini-grants (typically ranging from $1000 – $2500) to locally-owned small businesses. Local First Arizona is attempting to serve as many individuals and families in need as possible. The application process is simple and can be completed quickly. Please review the criteria before applying:

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Public trashing Coconino National Forest

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Public trashing Coconino National Forest
Coconino NF reopening some recreation sites
Flagstaff Family Food Center COVID-19 Service
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
Visit our Website

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

The CDC has recently announced the expanded the list of wide-range symptoms for COVID-19. The mild to severe symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after initial exposure to the virus. The expanded list of six new symptoms is crucial for individuals who are seeking testing whom must first show symptoms.

City of Flagstaff to discuss city housing assistance on May 12

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2020 • Comments Off

The Flagstaff City Council will discuss the allocation of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds provided by the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act and substantial amendments to the 2019/2020 CDBG Annual Action Plan at their meeting on May 12, 2020. CDBG-CV funds were allocated to the City of Flagstaff by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) specifically to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.

United Way of Northern Arizona, Coconino County develop COVID-19 Social Safety-Net Services Coalition Resource Guide

by Community Contributor • May 7, 2020 • Comments Off

The United Way of Northern Arizona and Coconino County have developed a COVID-19 Social Safety-Net Services Coalition Resource Guide.

The Social Safety-Net Services Coalition is a county-wide coalition of safety-net service providers who are working together to lead, support and coordinate Housing, Food and Emergency Cash Assistance in response to Covid-19.

The guide includes information on organizations providing Spanish-language assistance including the Circle of Page, the Page Domestic Violence Center, St. Vincent de Paul’s food boxes, utility and other services; and Williams Food Pantry and More.

AARP provides information on SS & VA Beneficiaries with Dependents, Nursing Homes

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Non-Filers VA, SSI recipients with eligible children need to act by Tuesday, May 5 to quickly add money to their automatic Economic Impact Payment; $500 for each dependent child. Click here for details.
AARP keeps advocating for those on nursing homes. See attached letter sent to Governor Ducey and questions to ask if you have a loved one at a nursing home.

City progress toward full funding for Public Safety Pension Retirement System

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2020 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The city of Flagstaff is making progress toward 100% funding for its Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) unfunded liability. PSPRS is a retirement system for Fire and Police staff. Since 2003, the city’s unfunded actuarial liability has grown…

ECoNA — COVID-19 Bulletin #6: Round 2 of PPP Opens Today

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Round 2 of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) begins this morning, as the Small Business Administration accepts new applications for the potentially forgivable federal loans.

However, businesses with employees, sole proprietors and independent contractors need to act now if they hope to tap into the new $310 billion pool of funding, according to Bruce Nordstrom of Nordstrom & Associates P.C. in Flagstaff.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Catholic Charities Says ‘Thanks’ for COVID-19 Funds

by Community Contributor • April 24, 2020 • Comments Off

Catholic Charities Helping Families, Vets, Homeless & Children During COVID-19 In case you missed it, Catholic Charities, the nonprofit recently named Flagstaff’s “Organization of the Year,” wanted to share a message with those of you who have given to the…

Bilingual report: Coconino County Rental or Move In Assistance with Utility Deposit

by Community Contributor • April 13, 2020 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health & Human Services / Community Services report Coconino County Rental or Move In Assistance with Utility Deposit is available for Coconino County residents including seniors, disabled, families, veterans and individuals in crisis and affected by COVID-19. Must…

Shadow Foundation helping agencies obtain Better Bucks

by Community Contributor • April 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Due to the overwhelming need for help that many are seeking from your agencies the Shadows Foundation would like to make available better bucks for purchase this month for $3 each. Each book will still provide $5 in better bucks vouchers…

ECoNA — COVID-19 Bulletin #3: Gov. Ducey Town Hall Tonight

by Community Contributor • April 2, 2020 • Comments Off

As government response to the coronavirus outbreak increases, there’s news to report on many levels that affects northern Arizonans and our business community, so let’s dive in.

ECoNA — COVID-19 Bulletin #2: Flagstaff Local Urges ‘Carry-Out and Settle In’

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Dear Friend, Hope this email finds you and yours healthy and safe. We have more local economic news to share ranging from a local video (that hopefully will make you smile) to new services at the county, state and federal level as…

Coconino County Rental or Move In Assistance with Utility Deposit

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2020 • Comments Off

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Special Edition News — Caring for Yourself and During This Time

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2020 • Comments Off

March 25, 2020 Coconino County Government ELIZABETH C. ARCHULETA Supervisor, District 2 Special Edition Visit our Website Contact Us Supervisor Liz Archuleta; (928) 679-7152; larchuleta@coconino.az.gov Theresa M. Munoz, Executive Assistant; (928) 679-7162; tmunoz@coconino.az.gov County adopts new office & building procedures County services…

United Way of Northern Arizona — VITA Tax Help Now Available

by Community Contributor • February 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Click here for the entire e-newsletter VITA Helping Residents on Taxes United Way of Northern Arizona and its community partners are once again helping our friends and neighbors save significantly on their taxes through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)…

It’s Scholarship Time at Coconino Community College!

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2020 • Comments Off

Dear Partners and Friends of CCC, It’s Scholarship Time! Coconino Community College Foundation Scholarship Applications are now open. Apply for the 2020-2021 academic school year now, before your opportunity melts away! Deadline for scholarship applications is Thursday, March 12, 2020…