FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 5, 2020
These efforts are intended to help build consumer confidence and attract customers back to the City’s key commercial districts.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - In recognition of the continued impact that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is having on businesses in the Charlottesville community, the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development (OED) is pleased to announce the following efforts to help revive commerce in commercial districts:
- Large welcome signage with social distancing reminders for customers
- 8 hand sanitization stations spread throughout the corridors for customer use
- 5,000 face coverings distributed directly to businesses
- Travel specialists with the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau engaging visitors from an outdoor kiosk on the mall Wednesday – Sunday from 9-5
- 6 curbside pickup locations to be converted from temporary to permanent with signage and pavement markings to make business transactions easier
- Complimentary customer parking on Saturdays and Sundays at the Market and Water Street Garages beginning August 8, 2020 through the end of 2020
- Café and vendor fees have been deferred until September 30, 2020
- Eat Local Cville campaign, promoting local restaurants, has been extended to September 2020
These efforts, which are in part funded by the City’s CARES Act allocation, are intended to help build consumer confidence and attract customers back to the City’s key commercial districts. Consumer driven tax revenues, such as sales, meals and lodging taxes, which are largely derived from these key corridors, comprise approximately 20% of the City’s annual revenues; making restoration of these revenues critically important.
In addition, the OED and the Charlottesville Economic Development Authority (CEDA) have administered over $1,100,000 in grants and loans to City businesses since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.
Interested businesses should check the Office of Economic Development’s website to stay informed on recovery resources and other assistance programs – www.charlottesville.gov/econdev. Businesses can also contact the OED to be added to the email distribution list, which provides occasional updates of interest directly to inboxes. As always, businesses are also welcome to contact our office with any business needs. For more information, please email ecodev@charlottesville.gov or call 434-970-3110.
Media Contact
Office of Economic Development
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3110
ecodev@charlottesville.gov