Group forms to re-open economy

Group forms to re-open economy

(April 17) Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer and County Board of Supervisors Chairman Greg Cox announced the creation of an advisory group charged with preparing recommendations for the region’s economic reactivation and recovery.

“The San Diego region is going to be prepared to reopen when the time is right – orderly, strategically and safely,” Faulconer said. “This group is bipartisan and binational, representing our regional economy – north, south, east and even across the border.” 

The group is being created in partnership with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation to provide recommendations on how to phase-in a reopening of San Diego’s economy, following guidance from public health officials.

“We are planning for the days when we can get San Diego back to work, but we need to be smart about reopening businesses so that their employees and customers can follow proper health and safety guidelines,” Cox said. “This advisory group will help propose recommendations for different business sectors as we enter a ‘new normal’ way of life in the region.”

The group will work to ensure the region is ready with policies and procedures to support a successful recovery when it is time for a gradual restart of the economy. The leaders will provide ongoing advice to reopen businesses safely, while at the same time adhering to public health orders that limit gatherings and require physical distancing. The group will develop proposals including:

• How to reopen industries affected by COVID-19
• Leveraging and delivering stimulus funding effectively
• New programs and regulatory relief at the state and federal level
• Opportunities for partnership to deliver economic relief initiatives
• Complementing and accelerating regional priorities including climate resiliency, infrastructure and housing

The group will also provide ongoing advice as the crisis evolves and deliver a summary report of its activities and recommendations to the City and County. It is comprised of business and civic leaders from a variety of sectors, including tourism, housing and development, labor and food service.