Denver Announces Additional $4M In COVID-19 Emergency Funds

The city of Denver will be releasing an additional $4 million in COVID-19 emergency funds to support residents, workers, and small businesses that have been directly impacted by COVID-19.

The mayor's office announced the additional funding on Thursday, December 10.

"Many people and families are hurting personally and financially due to the coronavirus, and it's imperative we work in coordination with our state leaders to provide additional relief for our residents and local businesses," said Mayor Michael Hancock in a statement.

Denver will be distributing the additional funding as follows:

• $1.5 million to provide grants to local small businesses affected by COVID-19 public health ordered closures
• $1 million to Restaurant and Hotel workers who live in Denver and have been laid off, furloughed, or had hours and wages reduced
• $1.5 million for the Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance program to support Denver residents who need rent and/or utility relief, and to help prevent future displacement and evictions

The additional funding is being covered by federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars.

Because CRF funds only cover expenses incurred from March 1, 2020, to December 30, 2020, the city must expend all funds by December 30.

Mayor Hancock said the city and county of Denver are doing everything they can to maximize local funding and resources to support the community, but stressed the need for federal funding from Congress.

"Congress must act to keep our economy out of a double-dip recession and even more pain and struggle for our residents."

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