"Brady said the small business grant program has been "a huge success" * as far as applications and connecting to small businesses, many with single ownership or fewer than 25 employees.
There will likely be significant money left over from the $20 million, he said. The small business grant program is currently expected to use approximately $7 million, far less than budgeted.
*Small businesses had two weeks to apply to the city for assistance with utility and rent or mortgage payments for up to 90 days. Applications closed Sunday."
BLOGGER NOTE: THAT'S THE SAME DAY ARIZONA REPUBLIC REPORTER ALISON STEINBACK PUBLISHED THIS!
"The leftover money could be used for remote access help for Mesa students, especially in kindergarten through sixth grade, or to help with the search for a permanent homeless shelter in Mesa, Brady said. . . .
Mike Hutchinson, vice president of PHX East Valley Partnership, said Mesa is on the right track.
“It’s a lot more complicated than just getting money and putting it out the door. There’s criteria and fairness, so I think they’re doing great things,” he said.
"There's always more needs than you can usually fund, but I think they're on track."
Mayor John Giles called the $90 million a "wonderful blessing" and a "wonderful challenge" to effectively use.
Here's how Mesa will spend its $90 million in coronavirus relief funding
