Attachment 3
City of Burbank
Status Update to the
Economic Recovery Plan
Working together for a safe, beautiful, and thriving community.
City Council Meeting
February 2021
Community Development
Department
ATTACHMENT 3 - 1
Table of Contents
I. Executive Summary ............................................................................................... 2 Background
Goal of the Economic Recovery Plan
II. Seven Policies of the Economic Recovery Plan .................................................... 4 III. Mitigation (Immediate Goals – Within 6 months) ............................................... 5 IV. Response (2020-2021 Goals - 1 Year Action Items) .............................................. 11 V. Recovery (2020-2023 Goals – Up to 3 Year Action
Items) .................................................................................................................... 18 ATTACHMENT 3 - 2
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Executive Summary
Background
On March 13, 2020, a local emergency was declared in the City of Burbank due to the COVID -19 pandemic. This was followed with Safer at Home Orders, the closure of all non -essential work places, mass layoffs, and steps to limit evictions.
The world’s economy was changed almost overnight and Burbank has been no exception. California lost 100,000 jobs in March and as of mid- March, 3.1 million people filed for unemployment benefits. Estimates indicate that the unemployment rate in California could be as high as 15-20%, up from a record low of 3.9% last February. As of December 2020, unemployment rate in California dropped to 10.4%. City staff continues to assist residents and businesses throughout this challenging time.
In Burbank, we have been hard hit as media production has come to a standstill and this is anticipated to continue at least until the Safer at Home Order is lifted.
California’s roadmap for modifying the State’s Safer at Home Order has four stages, each stage is predicated on reaching certain milestones instead of a specific period of time. Therefore, reopening our businesses and holding any special events may take a long period of time. For the large, live-audience industries (Stage 4), estimates are that it will take at least a year to fully reopen.
As Safer at Home Orders are lifted, Burbank needs to have a plan in place to assist with the recovery of jobs, facilitate new development, and help address personal debt incurred as a result as the COVID -19 pandemic.
ATTACHMENT 3 - 3
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Goal of the Economic Recovery Plan
Revive Burbank’s robust economy by preventing homelessness and encouraging development and business recovery to occur along with financial stability for our residents , thereby building a safe, beautiful , and thriving community.
The Plan is intended to implement short term and long term strategies to lessen the impa cts of COVID-19 on our community. All of the Divisions within the Department (Economic Development & Housing, Planning, Transportation, and Building & Safety) have prepared individual recovery plans with specific tasks and goals that work together to suppo rt the goal of reviving our local economy.
This is done by encouraging development and business recovery in order to support the community’s financial stability, and continuing to provide the needed services to our residents including those in the greatest need. Implementation of this goal is guided by the proposed principles, which have been included in this report for City Council consideration. Some of the proposed items will require future City Council approval in order to implement.
The Plan has been developed in a manner that seeks to address the three cycles of disaster: mitigation, response, and recovery. The Plan provides specific short term and long term responses to these individual cycles in order to help local businesses and residents, reinvig orating tourism, economic development and City financial stability. The three cycles of disaster have unique demands , and therefore there are unique responses from each division. Some of the proposed responses overlap and may require implementation during more than one cycle. Some of these efforts have already begun and programs for further mitigation and enhanced response are underway. As we continue the process of implementing and reevaluating the effectiveness of these policy -driven responses, it is anticipated that some of the measures in the recovery cycle may change depending on future Federal stimulus packages and how quickly the government at the local, county, State , and Federal levels allow the economy to reopen.
Note: New action items are listed in red.
ATTACHMENT 3 - 4
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Seven Policies of the Economic Recovery Plan
The following policies will guide the work of economic recovery in Burbank:
1 Access and share information about recovery efforts and funding for residents, business owners, and employees while collaborating with our governmental, non-profit, and business partners.
2 Promote businesses within the City to residents, visitors, and other businesses.
3 Assist the most vulnerable members of the community with financial support through the use of Eviction Orders, grants, Federal funding, and partnership with service organizations.
4 Implement use of online tools for streamlined project review and permit processing.
5 Update regulations and policies to enable business success and home improvements in the most efficient and cost effective manner. 6 Help Burbank’s tourism industry recover by promoting and marketing our hotels, restaurants, the Hollywood Burbank Airport, and other local destinations.
7 Collaborate with our government representatives at the County, State, and Federal levels to promote economic recovery while directly supporting our businesses and residents.
ATTACHMENT 3 - 5
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Mitigation (Immediate Goals – Within 6 months)
Economic Development
1. Comply with State and County orders to stop the spread of COVID- 19, including the closure of non -essential businesses, stay at home orders, school closures, etc.
a. Work with Code Enforcement to ensure business compliance with orders
b. Communicate with businesses as needed to alleviate concerns
2. Monitor commercial corridors to deter loitering, address issues with homelessness, and ensure safety
a. Work with StreetPlus in Downtown Burbank
3. Conduct business outreach:
a. Disseminate information/resources to small businesses b. Keep in constant contact with businesses via emails, phone calls, and outreach to ensure they are complying with Safer at Home Orders, provide information regarding business resources, etc.
4. Disseminate information to businesses via the following outlets:
a. Public Information Office: social media, press releases, city website, YouTube
b. Burbank Chamber of Commerce: Chamber newsletter and
Social Media
c. PBID and TBID: Chamber newsletter and Social Media
5. Business Concierge Services assisting businesses/developers with attraction, location and permitting needs.
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 6
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Housing
1. Address the vulnerability of renters who are unable to pay rent, utilities, and medical costs due to a decrease in work hours, loss of employment, or underemployment due to COVID-19. Respond to phone calls and emails daily on these issues providing information and resources to residents.
2. Educate the public on eviction moratoria and orders as they relate to Burbank residential and commercial tenants. The City’s urgency ordinance adopted on n March 17, 2020 expired September 30, 2020.
It was replaced by AB 3088, and again by SB 91 for residential tenants that will expire June 30, 2021; unless extended. In October 2020, the City adopted a Commercial tenant eviction order that was extended in December to March 31, 2021.
3. The Rent Repayment Ordinance was updated setting the repayment of rents to six (6) months form the expiration of the City’s urgency ordinance on evictions that expired September 30, 2020 for residential tenants. Residential tenants with rent due between Ma rch 17 and August 31, 2020 have until March 31, 2021 to pay back rent due and added late fees and/or penalties. Rent due after September 1, 2020 must follow SB 91 repayment requir ements. Commercial tenants also fall under this rent repayment order and have six (6) months from the expiration of the ordinance.
4. Provide outreach to all residents, renters and homeowners alike a. Landlords and Tenants of subsidized units
b. All other residents- that may not be plugged into social media such as the City’s website Con tinue to explore and update outreach methods
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 7
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Homelessness
1. Help prevent the spread of COVID -19 among the homeless in Burbank by providing hygiene/sanitation access and emergency housing
2. Procure masks, gloves, and gowns and other PPE for first responders Building & Safety
1. Comply with State and County orders to stop spread of COVID -19 pandemic including closures of non -essential businesses, stay at home orders, school closures, et cetera.
a. Work with CDD operation teams in preparation for the March 16, 2020 closure of the Community Services Building while ensuring continuity of service to the public
b. Establish procedures for field inspection staff for safe distancing at construction and investigation sites including the use of technological tools such as Face Time, Zoom and other communication tools
c. Ensure that construction sites follow the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health “Guidance For
Construction Sites”
d. Ensure that field staff, and limited office staff are equipped with Personal Protective Equipment, and practicing safe procedures.
2. Monitor and investigate complaints by Code Enforcement staff for potential violations of Safer At Home Order for non -essential businesses and cases of unsafe social distancing. For confirmed cases of non-essential violations, Code Enforcement staff will refer cases to Burbank Police Department to ensure compliance and enforcement with the Order
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 8
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Building & Safety (Continued)
3. Business Outreach
a. Communicate with developers and contractors of ongoing construction that City operations are in continuance and construction sites must practice safe COVID-19 protection b. Communicate with business owners and architects of projects currently in plan check or scheduled to be submitted for plan check. Communication includes the assurance of continuity of operations with no effect to project scheduling
4. Information dissemination to residents, businesses, developers, and City divisions and departments (e.g., internal and external customers) a. Communicate with developers, business owners, architects on procedure for receiving and distributing construction pla ns digitally through ProjectDox, the city’s electronic plan check system
b. Assist customers and City staff with ProjectDox use and plan check processing
5. Outreach to the Burbank Unified School District in coordinating payment of construction -related school f ees. Building & Safety developed the new “School Facilities Fee” form to streamline process Planning
1. Comply with State and County orders to stop spread of COVID -19 pandemic including closures of non -essential businesses, stay at home orders, school closures, et cetera.
a. Establish a business continuity plan to “keep the [online] doors open” and announce that we are still doing business:
i. Transitioned majority of division personnel to work
from home through the use of City website-email access, Microsoft Team, and Dropbox, as a virtual desktop
during the interim period that IT worked out how to
provide VPN/remote access to staff desktops. Helped
push these types of concepts out to the other divisions in CDD. Helped lead from the front so that the
Department was ready to transition to online services,
consistent with our business continuity efforts
ii. Led effort to update City website pages notifying
residents, businesses and developers about the new
process for planning applications, pre -zoning
clearances, an d plan check submittals and review
processes online via Dropbox and Projectdox
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 9
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Planning (Continued)
b. Establish a business continuity plan to “keep the [online] doors open” and announce that we are still doing business:
i. Established internal and external communications with customers through the use of conference calls, ZOOM,
Microsoft Teams, text messages with divisio n staff, et cetera; Let them know about the new process for
application and plan check resubmittal…this is an
ongoing education effort
ii. Established working groups within the division to
prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for
how each individual ty pe of applications (e.g., ADU,
planning, tenant improvements, plan checks) are taken
in, processed, fees obtained, tracked in EPALs, and
prepared for application approval and/or permit
issuance
c. Continue working with Economic Development and Building & Safety Divisions to communicate one consistent message to business and development community that we are willing and able to process applications and plan checks for new
development and tenant improvement work once they are
ready to submit…we plan to be lucky!
2. Monitor [email protected] and division phones as well as planning staff communication during regular team online meetings within the division and/or with our colleagues in the other CDD division and/or City departments as necessary
3. Outreach to Business:
a. Ongoing communication wit h architects, residents, applicants and developers via emails, phone calls, Zoom and Microsoft Team meetings
4. Distribute information to residents, businesses, developers, and City divisions and departments (e.g., internal and external customers) a. Continue t o update website, outgoing phone messages, applications/handouts inform businesses of any changes to process for review, approval, and permitting related to Planning Division
5. Outreach to Developers
Confirm status update of projects that are in the plan check/application review queue or ready for submittal
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 10
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Transportation
1. Complied with State and County orders to stop spread of COVID -19 pandemic including closures of non-essential businesses, stay at home orders, school closures, etc.
2. Implemented work at -home procedures to protect employees and ensure continuity of government and transportation programs, projects, and services
a. Transitioned staff to work from home using City web -based email access, VPN/remote access, technology and software such as Microsoft Team, etc.
b. Communicated internally and with outside agencies and customers virtually and over the phone
c. Ensured that transit staff is equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (including face masks, gloves, and sanitizing hand gel/foam) and practicing safe procedures
3. Implemented disinfecting and sanitizing procedures for BurbankBus vehicles
a. Disinfected fixed-route vehicles daily and wiped down interiors during layover periods throughout the day
b. Disinfected Senior & Disabled vehicles four times a week and wiped down interiors daily
4. Implemented modified passenger boarding procedures and onboard passenger occupancy limits during pandemics.
a. Implemented social distancing by limiting the number of passengers to 50% seating capacity
b. Implemented rear door boarding to assist with social distancing when possible
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 11
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Response (2020-2021 Goals - 1 Year Action Items)
Economic Development
1. Burbank Together at Home Campaign: to encourage consumer spending and market existing essential businesses, programs , and wellness activities while boosting consumer morale ; Provide daily content for #BurbankTogetheratHome campaign including social media posts for Be Supportive, Be Informed, Be Local, Be Smart, Be Kind, Be Active campaigns
2. Burbank Tech Talks: events geared towards small businesses to provide COVID-19 resources and guidance for businesses and entrepreneurs in the community currently impacted by the pandemic ; Current series of five webinars tentatively scheduled March to May 2020 with topics including: US Small Business Administration Economic Disaster Loans, Paycheck Protection Program, CARES Act, E -Commerce, Resilience, etc.
3. Downtown Burbank:
a. Social Media Campaign: Focus on promoting local take-out and online shopping businesses in Downtown Burbank
b. Newsletters to Visitors : Focus on local take -out and online shopping
c. Newsletters to Merchants : Focus on dissemination of information for businesses and employers including resources and marketing opportunities for businesses
d. StreetPlus Ambassador Program: Heighten awareness of safety services and provide additional cleaning /sanitizing in Downtown
e. Farmers Market: Ensure continuation of essential business for the community that serves the elderly and low-income families; Ensure market follows all protocols and advisories from LA County
f. Postpone events such as the Arts Festival, Car Classic, and Wine Walk and The Rink to end of 2020 or early 2021
g. Downtown Burbank Mu ral Walk: Mural finding activity in Downtown to encourage exercise and walking in Downtown
Burbank while finding murals to post on Social Media. This will create synergy and help decrease potential crime and loitering. h. Business Survey: Ascertain impact on businesses and gauge economic impact of crisis to better plan for Downtown
Burbank recovery (i.e. Layoffs, occupancy rates, closures) i. Created Downtown Burbank Partnership (PBID)
Subcommittee to discuss the installation of parklets to provide outdoor dining options in Downtown
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 12
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Economic Development (Continued)
4. Visit Burbank:
a. Social Media Campaign: Focus on promoting local take-out and online shopping options citywide, as well as outdoor hiking and biking, while practicing safe distancing
b. Newsletters: Focus on marketing Burbank as a safe and clean city, keeping the destination top of mind for future travel c. Survey to Hotels: Determine COVID-19 impact and status of current operations
d. Continue to market Burbank for future travel : Create three phased marketing campaign:
1. Keeps consumers and visitors interested in Burbank as a destination
2. Once Safer at Home restrictions are lifted, implement a more robust campaign encouraging travel within drive-
time markets
3. Use action-based marketing to encourage visitation to Burbank timed in with the opening of Universal Studios
Hollywood and Warner Bros Tours ; Brainstorm ideas
on how to recover travel: research what Discover LA
and Visit California are doing
e. Create marketing campaign that promotes and focuses more on domestic travel
f. Universal Studios Hollywood Preferred Hotel Program:
Marketing pushed to begin in July
g. MUSEXO postponed, date to be announced
5. Chamber of Commerce Collaboration & Retention Efforts a. Create joint welcome packet for new businesses coming to Burbank
b. Monthly joint Business Visitations meetings with business industry with Mayor, Vice Mayor, staff and Chamber of
Commerce representative
c. Staff to assist with enhanced business communications plan, providing content and ideas for Chamber newsletters and social media posts
d. Create 90 day marketing campaign to promote restaurants in Burbank
e. Joint collaboration on quarterly industry events, webinars and entrepreneurial programs
6. Monthly meeting with hotel Director of Sales to strategize for hotel needs and recovery efforts
7. Unveiling of Batman statue and social media awareness campaign resulting in a magnitude of press for Burbank as a destination.
8. Launched Burbank’s first virtual Future of Work Accelerator.
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 13
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Economic Development (Continued)
9. Facilitated an Urgency Ordinance to temporarily remove the Administrative Use Permit for new restaurants and determine that off- site sales of alcohol is an ancillary use for restaurants in the Downtown Central Business District area.
10. Created a hybrid clos ure of San Fernando Boulevard allowing for in - street dining parklets while still maintaining vehicular traffic and parking.
11. Small Business Assistance Loan Program Small Business Loan Response
a. Continue Small Business Loan Program with the ability to assist 65 small businesses and microenterprises with new CARES Act funding allocated to the City of Burbank in the amount of $1,000,000.
12. Repurpose Economic Development subcommittee into ad hoc advisory Economic Recovery subcommittee for next 6 months with intent to meet with different stakeholder groups
Housing
1. Develop a short -term COVID -19 Rental Assistance Program to prevent renters from becoming homeless
a. Partner with Family Promise of the Verdugos to administer the program
b. Conduct outreach through the Burbank Landlord Tenant Commission, City Council, City website, and other social media outlets. Applications will be on a first-come, first-served basis
2. Section 8 and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) voucher programs: adopt protocols for emergency rent al assistance with the primary goal of paying landlords and keeping families housed
3. Work with housing providers and service providers to support their efforts
4. Provide information and resources to residents in non-subsidized units in different languages. This is to ensure non-English speaking resident population is receiving and or understanding the information going out.
Homelessness
1. Participate in the County’s “Room Key” Project that will procure 15,000 hotel/motel rooms in Los Angeles County for people experiencing homelessness with a high risk of acquiring COVID-19 a. Burbank will refer people from Burbank to the Room Key Project
b. Outreach case managers will determine clients that are high priority for the program
c. Referrals will be made through the a ppropriate referral system channels
d. Outreach regarding the Room Key will be provided by
StreetPlus and Ascencia
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 14
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Homelessness (Continued)
2. Extend Hygiene Services
a. Request funding from the County of Los Angeles for
reimbursement of hygiene handwashing stations, portable toilets, maintenance of
b. park restrooms and Downtown Metrolink restrooms
c. Extend the Wells Fargo Hand Washing and Portable Toilets through May 15th or the end of the Safer At Home Order
d. Request masks, gloves, and gowns from the County or through our Burbank Emergency Operations Center for outreach teams and the homeless.
e. Procure mobile shower/laundry services for the homeless
Building & Safety
1. Continue uninterrupted services of each Division function while communicating and guiding public to response procedures including building permit issuance, Business License and Business Tax applications, plan check intake, and ProjectDox processing
2. Establish procedures for submission of applications, submission of plans, resubmission of paper copy plans, revised procedures on receiving and signing Building Permit document, and p rocessing of business license applications
3. Develop methods of processing payments while ensuring confidentiality of credit card information. Credit Card Authorization Form is being developed and implemented to fulfill payment transactions
4. Emphasize and encourage the use of existing online tools such as Online Inspection Requests, Online Code Enforcement Complaint Portal, Property Portal, and Online Business Tax Renewal Portal
5. Building & Safety staff is leading all City Departments in the near full transition to Pro jectDox processing of plans. Assist Departments in the processing of the plan check workflow and monitoring review for timely completion of plan check
6. Assure businesses in plan check or in construction that no interruptions will occur in the processing of plan review or with timely inspections
7. Continue participation in entitlement and development projects in the Inter-Department Review Committee through online meeting tools
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 15
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Planning
1. Formalize Planning Division’s SOPs for online intake and processing of permits anticipating this to be the new normal once the City opens CSB and other facilities to the public
2. Continue to process entitlement applications. In order to:
a. Host community meetings online for Development Review, Environ. Documents & Long Range planning documents
b. Post plans online for public comment of Single -Family Special Development Permits, DR mee tings, and other entitlements.
We will need to receive approval from applicants
c. Host Planning Board and Heritage Commission online
3. Coordinate across divisions and departments on City -approved procedures for public outreach and interface at the public counter, during community meetings/workshops, and during public hearings (e.g., Planning Board, Heritage Commission, Long Range Planning efforts like Housing Element Update-GSSP-BCP specific plan update, and as part of upcoming City Council meetings)
4. Continue Long Range Planning Efforts—Plan to be Lucky! a. Coordinate with various consultants on project scopes of work and formalize an online engagement process across the four major long range planning efforts (Housing Element/Safety Element Update, Golden State Specific Plan, Burbank Center Plan Update, and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Update) that provides robust community engagement; completing these
efforts in the next 12 to 18 m onths will help the City be ready to take advantage of any uptick in construction activity both in the housing and public infrastructure sectors resulting from ongoing demand, market demands, and/or any State and/or Federal stimulus packages
b. Seek out additional grant funds to support these efforts c. Seek extensions to complete these efforts as a result of COVID-19 closures
d. Host Community Meetings online
5. Review current Zoning Regulations and Planning and Entitlement Processes
a. Seek potential changes to provide greater clarity to applicants as well as streamline the process to improve turnaround times b. Assess staffing levels to support these efforts; recommend changes as necessary
6. Continue processing of pending discretionary permits & entitlement applications
a. Coordinate online Inter Departmental Review Committee meetings to provide detailed and on -time comments to
prospective project applicants
b. Assess current review timelines and adjust accordingly as a result of COVID-19 and/or changes in the market; this may include request to extend Planned Development/Development Agreements terms
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 16
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Planning (Continued)
7. Assess Technology (Software and Hardware) and Training Needs to respond to the Post-Covid 19 business and development environment a. Upgrade from desktop to laptops with video and microphones to facilitate remote access and portability; make sure that laptops are equipped with the appropriate software to complete work (Adobe Acrobat Pro, MS Office 365, et cetera)
b. Assess functionality and costs of permit processing and tracking software
c. Assess online permit software
d. Evaluate feasibility of competitive bidding process for permit tracking and online permit software
e. Upgrade conference rooms for virtual meetings with
appropriate WIFI and port access for laptops and other
peripherals
8. To l essen the amount of foot traffic in the Community Services Building, assess feasibility of moving Planning Division from 2nd floor to 1st floor of Community Services Building
9. Undertake space planning efforts with goal of facilitating greater public access on the first floor, securing office spaces with separate break, conference and restroom facilities and create an opportunity to maximize City operations within the Civic Center area into Community Services Building
Transportation
1. Based on experiences learned during the State and County orders to stop spread of COVID-19 pandemic, develop an Emergency Operations Plan, including:
a. Work at-home procedures
b. Administrative protocols for CDD/Transportation Division (i.e. timesheets, invoices, agreements, staff reports,
memorandums, etc.)
c. Operational protocols (essential vs. non -essential services, BurbankBus operations)
d. Management protocols and chain of command
e. Internal and external communications protocols for meetings and discussions , including City Council, Boards, and
Commissions
2. Identify potential revenue loss projections and possible related budget impacts
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 17
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Transportation (Continued)
3. Identify BurbankBus system-wide modifications to ensure transportation funds are spent effectively while continuing to provide riders essential travel to doctor appointments, medication/medical supplies, groceries, and workplaces
a. Examine ridership on each line/service and implement system reductions when appropriate
4. Improve fixed-route operations for a safer, cleaner and more efficient customer experience to ensure transit employees’ and users’ safety. a. Continue to use social media outlets to provide updated information to riders as BurbankBus responds to ongoing health crisis
b. Implement fare-free rides
c. Continue modified passenger boarding procedures and
onboard passenger occupancy limits
5. Improve Senior & Disabled operations for a safer, cleaner and more efficient customer experience to ensure drivers’ and passengers’ safety a. Implement social distancing through limiting the number of passengers to 50% seating capacity
b. Transition part -time staff to support City’s Home -Delivered Meals effort (two days/week)
c. Implement fare-free rides
d. Continue modified passenger boarding procedures and
onboard passenger occupancy limits
6. Continue enhanced bus cleaning to ensure safe and hygienic customer experience
7. Ensure effective Title VI -related communications and notices for service changes/reductions
8. Enhance cleaning at the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station to safeguard passengers who utilize station amenities by increasing thorough cleaning of furniture and equipment in the public domain
9. Monitor safety, loitering, and homelessness at the Downtown Metrolink Station
a. Coordinate with City departments including Public Works, Police, etc.
b. Work with city contractors and vendors – i.e., StreetPlus c. Coordinate with City’s Housing Division to accommodate homelessness needs/issues
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Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 18
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Recovery (2020-2023 Goals – Up to 3 Year Action Items)
Economic Development
1. Small Business Loans
a. $377 Billion provided by the Small Business Administration
1. Utilize CARES Act funding totaling $614,674 in
Community Development Block Grant and commit
$414,104 for small businesses: distribute forgivable loans up to $10,000 to small businesses not eligible for SBA
Loans
Recommendation: Provide up to 30 forgivable loans to
businesses not e ligible for SBA loans paid for out of
additional CDBG funding
2. Burbank Tech Talks: Plan events geared towards recovery. Topics including resilience, creating a business recovery plan, second round stimulus package information, etc.
3. Federal Funds for Larger Businesses through CARES Act:
a. $454 Billion through Treasury Department and Federal Reserve to assist impacted travel businesses and governmental entities b. $10 billion for impacted tourism businesses and airports c. The CARES Act includes a provision kn own as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance that extends unemployment
benefits to those who otherwise would not qualify, including the self-employed and independent contractors
d. Under the deal, any employee or contractor working in arts and entertainment who lost work due to the pandemic is eligible to receive a maximum unemployment benefit of $600 per week through July 31
e. The bill includes increased funding by $75 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, $75 million for the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities and $75 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
4. Market Vacancies and Commercial Corridors
a. Utilize Economic Development marketing funds for:
1. Shop Local and/or Shop Small campaigns
2. Tourism Campaigns through Visit Burbank to continue
to focus on drive -time markets in California and
neighboring states within a 300 mile radius
b. Tourism sponsorships through Visit Burbank to encourage attraction of meetings/conventions in 2021
c. Shift PBID funding to provide small business assistance loans and marketing campaigns to attract more visitors to Downtown d. Bring back event programming to encourage visitation and consumer spending
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 19
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Economic Development (Continued)
5. Zoning and Entitlement Process Improvements
a. Collaborate with Planning Division on interim and
permanent modifications to City processes and codes to
ensure that businesses open and operate more efficiently b. Create Emergency Interim Ordinance for 24 months that will:
1. Remove AUP process for restaurants Citywide
2. Allow streamlined outdoor dining process Citywide
3. Allow for reduced requirements for parking, outdoor
dining and operational hours for restaurants Citywide
6. Opportunities to Gain Efficiencies and Improve Entitlement Process in the Future
a. Enhance City incentives and concessions related to zoning b. Streamline review of multifamily housing projects
c. Create flexibility with parking and zoning requirements: Update zoning regulations to create greater flexibility in parking regulations, reduced parking standards, increase shared parking opportunities
d. Update zoning land use development standards to facilitate adaptive reuse of vacant and/or underutilized commercial and industrial structures and properties
e. Survey and evaluate loss of business services and ec onomic impact, identify immediate needs, and long-term restoration of full business community
Housing
1. Seek additional county, state and federal funding, as available, to assist renters and homeowners not in subsidized units (Burbank Workforce)
2. Apply for additional federal subsidies as they become available for lower-income households
3. Work with service providers to develop and/or expand training programs to get residents back into the workforce (e.g. for Section 8 it’s the Family Self Sufficiency Program, for BHC it’s the Lifting People Up program through Family Promise. We also have the Workforce Connection and Verdugo Jobs Center)
4. Coordinate mass transit with households that require assistance (financial and/or information) with transportation options as they re - enter the workforce
5. Contract staff as necessary including a contract inspector for the Section 8 program. Will seek disaster funds to keep pace with demand of inspections
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 20
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Homelessness
1. Continue with the implementation of the homeless plan
2. Advocate for additional grant funding including additional Community Development Block Grant and Measure H funds
3. Continue Partnering with LA County on Operation Roomkey
4. Continue with the implementation of homelessness storage facility
5. Continue funding the wash station and portable restroom near the Wells Fargo building on Olive through the end of the Safer -At-Home Order
Building & Safety
1. Actions During Recovery “Period”
a. Extend Period for Expiration or Renewals of Building Permits, Plan Check, Business Tax Certificates, and Business Licenses i. Permit and Plan Check – Propose a delay -of-time
period in which applications expire due to homeowner
or business owner pauses in construction activity or
plan review
ii. Business Tax Certificates and Business Licenses -
Propose a one to two month extension for businesses
to pay their renewals fees. The one or two month
extension will allow receipt of fees to be within the
same fiscal year period
2. Plan Check Services
a. Use Consulting Services for Quick, Reduced Review Time Through existing plan check consultant Professional Services Agreements (PSA’s), establish expedited review timeframes that meet business owner project objectives
b. Define and Establish Plan Check Time Frames
Define criteria for the various projects submitted for plan check and establish corresponding time frames for plan check review.
For medium and major projects, establish plan check schedules for various phases of plan check and construction
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 21
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Building & Safety (Continued)
c. Establish Thresholds for Counter Plan Check
Develop list for project criteria eligible for review of plans over- the-counter. Counter review may be available by walk -in service or by appointments. The goal is to open public counter hours in June 2020 with modified services to the public.
d. Establish the Role of a Business -Project
Coordinator/Concierge
Expand duties of existing staff member to assist businesses with non-Project Development cases. The Concierge will guide business owners in the process of Planning -Building-
Permitting-Business Tax and multi-Departmental reviews from the initial Pre-Planning phase to permit issuance. This service can be advertised on the Department’s webpage where
appointments with the Concierge could be requested
3. Use of New Online Tools
a. Guide Public to City’s/Department’s Website
New-expanded information on City’s website will allow
customer self -service, information on more efficient permit procedures, ProjectDox assistance, and revised counter hours and services
b. New Guidance Documents Made Available Online
New guidance documents to assist with business development plan check and permitting such as:
i. ADA-Accessibility Requirements for Businesses
ii. Bathroom Requirements for Restaurants and
Businesses
iii. Guideline for Change -Of-Use Occupancy for
Businesses
iv. Thresholds for Cert ain Upgrades in Business
Occupancies (Seismic, Fire Sprinklers, Elevator,
Utilities)
v. Procedures for Permitting and Opening Your Business
in the City of Burbank (a multi-Departmental guide)
vi. Also, in conjunction with Planning and other City
Departments, a document can be prepared for:
Accessory Dwelling Units Guideline and Requirements
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 22
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Building & Safety (Continued)
c. Broader Use of ProjectDox – All City Departments
All City Departments continue the use of electronic plan check following the Pandemic period. In having the Department’s acclimate with ProjectDox, it can lead to better cooperation and development of the ProjectDox software upgrade (Version 9.1) where several custom workflows will be required by specific Departments
d. Establish Envoy for ProjectDox
Expand duties of an existing staff member as the City’s ProjectDox Envoy for cus tomer contact, customer assistance, and to ensure that business projects remain within project scheduling deadlines
e. Explore Online Tools for Plan Check Consultation
Staff to explore online tools to conduct remote -online consultations as an alternate to in -person counter plan check.
Remote online plan review could provide a safer alternative to in-person consultations at the counter. Online tools with capability of live viewing of construction plans with voice conference capabilities would provide a viable alternate f. Promote New and Upgraded IT Tools
Assist customers to online tools once the
upgrades/development are ready for go -live implementation.
These include: Online Credit Card Payments, Online Issuance of Simple Permits, Online Issuance of Building Permits, and Online Issuance of Garage Sale Permits
g. Permit Technician Staff would transition from the acceptance of paper -copy plans to acceptance of digital plans in
ProjectDox. Staff would be trained for the use and processing of plans in ProjectDox as well as methods for customer
assistance
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 23
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Building & Safety (Continued)
h. Explore Other IT Tools for Certain Inspections for More Efficient Response
For certain building inspections where staff is placed in higher risk situations – such as roof inspections or underfloor inspections – use IT Tools such as live video feed (FaceTime, Zoom, etc), and aerial drones. This would allow more timely inspections and will not require the homeowner to provide ladders, or arrange for underfloor access
i. Work Closely with PIO Staff on Documenting Construction Progress of Major Projects
To promote Burbank as a city “Working Together for a Safe, Beautiful and Thriving C ommunity” by using IT Tools to document the progress of construction of major and prominent projects
Planning
1. Complete Long Range Planning Efforts during the next 12 to 24 months
a. Finalize Housing Element Update consistent with City Council goals including facilitate the build out of 12,000 units in the next 15 years with housing affordability for all economic segments of the community
b. Complete the Golden State Specific Plan in order to facilitate City Council goals for housing, economic development, and sustainability; focus on robust public engagement and input to facilitate shared community vision
c. Complete Burbank Center Plan Update in order to facilitate City Council goals for housing, economic development, and sustainability; focus on robust public eng agement and input to facilitate shared community vision
d. Complete Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Update, which is due by the end of the year 2020 in order to ensure ongoing compliance with State GHG requirements
e. Complete EIRs as part of the Housing Element a nd specific plan efforts in order to facilitate project streamline and CEQA tiered review for new projects consistent with the
aforementioned plans
f. Evaluate any P3 opportunities consistent with the
aforementioned specific plans
g. Seek out grant funds for Media District Specific Plan Update Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 24
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Planning
2. Review Planning and Entitlement Processes
a. Evaluate the need for Administrative Use Permit process for Downtown Burbank Restaurants
b. Analyze the R-1 and Multi-Family standards to identify possible efficiency in the review process and development standards c. Facilitate streamlined review of an outdoor dining in Downtown and along the City’s commercial corrid ors while preserving public health and safety including adequate
clearances for pedestrian access
d. Work with Transportation Division and Public Works Traffi c Engineering Division to establish a Citywide Parking
Management Program that can evaluate potential changes to the City’s parking regulations to promote shared parking, unbundled parking, use of private parking facilities during off hours, and parking ra tios that are calibrated to actual demand while also facilitate new commercial opportunities along the City’s commercial centers and corridors
e. Complete the proposed updates to the City’s Density Bonus and Inclusionary Housing Programs in order to facilitat e streamlined review of multifamily housing projects while protecting and building neighborhoods
f. Establish a list/checklist of community/public benefits that can be considered by developers when seeking incentives,
concessions, and/or waivers for increased development; these community/public benefits would be developed ahead of time via the proposed specific plan processes
g. Further refine SOPs to ensure ongoing processing of
applications and plan check submittals online
h. Work with Building & Safety to improv e
interdivision/interdepartmental coordination and
tracking of plan check submittals and review of
Development Review applications as part of IDRC
3. Support staff training, job growth and technical expertise a. Continue to work with CDD Administration to devel op training programs to facilitate staff knowledge and technical expertise in planning, environmental review, project
management, housing and economic development as well as professional development consistent with succession planning efforts to “train our replacements”
b. Continue on -call services and use of consultants when appropriate to expand division technical expertise and provide additional training of planning staff
c. Post COVID-19, facilitate attendance at planning conference, webinars, and other online training resources to expend employee skills sets
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 25
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Planning (Continued)
d. Facilitate the formulation of Technical Advisory Groups and Teams that work across divisions and/or departments when necessary to address specific issues and help build capacity and knowledge throughout the department, division, and larger City organization.
e. Be a leader in helping with policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring both within CDD and the City
Transportation
1. Practice fiscal prudence and responsibly administer Local Return funds allocated by Metro, Development Impact Fee funds, and other local and regional transportation subsidies
2. Monitor revenues from Local Return, fare box and regional pass reimbursement, and transit vehicle advertising to ensure that the City's transportation programs remain financially sustainable
3. Continue to pursue grants and other funding opportunities to leverage local funds for transportation projects and programs
4. Coordinate with transportation ag encies and advocate for financial assistance to maintain services and address lost revenue
5. Continue efficient review of traffic impacts of development a. Work with CDD divisions and City departments to improve interdivision/interdepartmental coordination and tracking of plan check submittals and review of Development Review
applications
6. Continue to i mplement I-5/Empire Avenue Interchange , roadway, non-motorized, and transit projects to build upon the City’s infrastructure and improve the City’s transportation capacity to promote economic growth
7. Adopt and implement the Citywide Complete Streets Plan and build better neighborhoods by improving safety, sustainability, health, transportation equity, connectivity, and economic vitality
8. Enhance bus operations for a safer, cleaner , and more efficient customer experience and ensure transit employees’ and users’ safety
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 26
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Transportation (Continued)
9. Develop disinfecting and sanitizing procedures for BurbankBus vehicles for pandemic outbreaks, including deployment of on -board sanitizing stations for riders’ use
a. Develop BurbankBus standards for acceptable passenger boarding standards and onboard passeng er occupancy limits during pandemic outbreaks
i. Rear door boarding to assist with social distancing
ii. Implement non -contact fare media to enhance
cleanliness and as an adaptation for possible future
normalization of all-door boarding
b. Develop clear on-board signage and communications in all Title VI Limited English Proficiency languages to reiterate State and County health guidance on face coverings and masks, safe social distancing, hand washing, etc.
c. Develop options to enhance physical separations to further safeguard drivers
d. Provide clear guidance on how to safely and effectively utilize bike racks when only utilizing rear door boarding, outlining steps that riders need to take to alert the driver for bike removal e. Improve communication of existing measures in order to improve compliance and preparation while expanding into new communications channels:
i. Include safety, boarding, and/or face covering
information on the digital bus destination display to
riders and residents
ii. Expand content offered on Twitter and Bu rbankBus
website from reactive (e.g., service delays) to proactive (e.g., rider tips). Cross -post with other citywide social media handles and showcase how the City is managing
the response on its bus system and how that resp onse
is a shared responsibility
iii. Develop informational on -board signage
announcements on how to ride safely
10. Enhance marketing efforts and offer creative incentives to promote transit to employers/employees and transit -dependent disadvantaged populations (ex: “Try Transit” passes). To ensure existing and potential new riders of a safe and clean transit experience, publicize BurbankBus’s enhanced disinfecting and sanitizing procedures Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 27
STATUS UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN
Transportation (Continued)
11. Develop an online parking management system including credit card payments and permit issuance
12. Work with the Planning Division, Public Works Traffic Engineering Division, Police Department, and Information Technology Department to establish a Citywide Parking Management Program that can evaluate potential changes to the City’s parking regulations to promote shared parking, unbundled parking, use of private parking facilities during off hours, and parking ratios that are calibrated to actual demand while also facilitate new commercial opportunities along the City’s commercial centers and corridors
13. To provide a more efficient customer experience, maintai n a general City parking e-mail address for all parking-related inquiries and public correspondence
14. Partner with the Burbank Transportation Management Organization to:
a. Promote sustainable modes of travel while advancing goals related to employee satisfaction, sustainability, and equity to help ease congestion when business returns
b. Provide expertise on and encourage telecommuting to help ease congestion when business resumes
Status Update
Completed Ongoing In Progress
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ATTACHMENT 3 - 28