Nassau County Executive Laura Curran outlined a road to recovery in her 2020 State of the County Report to the Nassau County Legislature, promising to stimulate the economy and maintain fiscal responsibility as the impacts of this historic health crisis continue. County Executive Curran vowed to not raise property taxes while continuing to ensure law enforcement and first responders have the resources necessary to keep residents safe and healthy, despite the financial devastation of COVID-19 on the County’s finances. The report outlines efforts to stabilize finances as the County is now forecasting a shortfall of more than $384 million, given an unprecedented 20% reduction in sales tax collections – after previously expecting a balanced budget for the 2020 fiscal year.
“During these challenging times, it is extremely important that we do what we can to keep the wheels of County government moving to position us to recover and allow us to forge ahead safely and efficiently through each phase of our reopening and beyond,” said County Executive Laura Curran. “We are prioritizing each investment in Nassau County to stimulate our economy and get people back to work.”
Early on, the County Executive identified the incoming economic calamity of COVID-19 and acted, providing financial relief and resources for residents and businesses whenever possible. Some of the efforts outlined in the report include: suspending eviction enforcement, extending licenses for private businesses, delaying the deadline for school taxes, and feeding 10,000 families in need through food distribution sites.
As Nassau County is now open under Phase One of NY State’s reopening plan, County Executive Curran recommitted her administration to major infrastructure and capital projects as part of her plan to stimulate Nassau’s economy. Her report highlighted shovel-ready initiatives that could be supported by federal aid, such as the phase two construction of the Family Matrimonial Court, rehabilitation of the Bayville Bridge, revitalization of Museum Row and an unprecedented $70 million investment in the County’s road resurfacing program. The County expects to also work collaboratively with labor, developers and municipal leaders to re-start key initiatives and economic drivers that are cornerstones of the administration – including the Nassau HUB redevelopment project.
“While my administration pushes for federal infrastructure assistance, the County will nonetheless endeavor to move these important job generating initiatives forward,” said Curran.
The report also showcases the administration’s commitment to reviving business districts and downtowns devastated by the pandemic including:
Open Streets Pilot Program: A program to fast track permit approvals, making it easier for businesses in downtown communities to utilize street space and increase customers and capacity, while still following state guidelines.
New “Boost Nassau” Program:
- Establishment of a business recovery loan program to support the County’s small businesses, Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and nonprofits as they reopen after the COVID-19 outbreak. The program secures up to $10 million loan capacity for the County’s businesses as part of the state’s “NY Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF)” announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo, boosting the chances of Nassau’s small businesses and nonprofits getting the loans made possible through the state. The program is available to businesses impacted by COVID-19 that have missed out on federally-backed programs like the Paycheck Protection Program.
- PPE for Small Businesses: The County Executive announced that the County is investing half a million dollars with support from the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to provide approximately 1,000 small businesses and nonprofits with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). To start, the County is utilizing $400,000 through Federal HUD funding and the IDA has secured $100,000 through their sister organization, the Local Economic Assistance Corporation (LEAC).
The full report which provides a comprehensive overview of the County as this unprecedented pandemic continues to unfold, as well as new developments relating to the impact of COVID-19 on our recovery efforts, is available here.
