Conference Presentation, Panel
Mayors LaToya Cantrell, Eric Johnson, and Nan Whaley
- Dallas expects COVID-19 cases to decline after a flattening period, though recent increases are noted, with infections remaining disproportionately high among Latino populations despite death rates potentially differing demographically.
- The city will appoint a specific official to monitor health disparities, expand mobile and general testing availability in vulnerable areas, and establish a dedicated location for testing individuals involved in protests where social distancing was difficult.
- Large Dallas companies are expected to adopt smaller businesses through forgivable loans and mentoring, while a private sector fund announced "very soon" will facilitate business support matching.
- Small businesses in Dallas and nationally face the risk of failure without capital support from the combined efforts of the private sector, government, and nonprofits.
- Dallas aims to recover from the crisis, though the process will not happen immediately, with plans to prioritize getting small businesses operational as quickly as possible.
- The pandemic and calls for equity are expected to drive significant business changes and swift mayoral reforms, creating an "uncomfortable" period of rapid adjustment for the human mind.
- Mayors view the crisis as an opportunity to guide communities toward a future where flexibility is paramount, noting that current rigidity is insufficient for the pace of change.
- Small businesses in Dayton, particularly those owned by women or minorities, are expected to receive local funding, supported by long-term investment in entrepreneurship programs like "do with 10,000" and a new downtown collaboration hub.
- A significant risk exists that communities of color and low-income areas will suffer the most severe impacts if federal dollars are not invested in post-recovery efforts.
- New Orleans expects continued struggles with rent payments and evictions as it enters Phase 2, alongside small businesses facing difficulties in regaining footing while adapting to new reopening behaviors.
- The city plans to re-envision the French Quarter with no-car zones and pedestrian malls to accommodate social distancing, with businesses operating at limited capacity while the government assists with resource expansion.
- New Orleans intends to leverage local, state, and federal funds alongside national partnerships to support residents and businesses, while the mayor's office continues hosting town halls to address disparities.
- Leaders anticipate future disasters in New Orleans as inevitable, necessitating greater community resilience.
- Mayors across the country are expected to advocate for continued federal support to address revenue losses and ensure cities are made whole regarding economic recovery.