City Launches Another Round of the COVID-19 Response Grant Program!

The City is launching another round of its COVID-19 Response Grant Program. The program has distributed approximately $620,000 in grants funds and forgivable loans to the community to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 and will distribute another $322,000 through this latest round of funding. The sources for these funds are Federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds, CARES Act funding, and a one-time grant from East Bay Community Energy. See below for more information and links to on-line applications and requirements. 

The grant application will be available on the City’s website starting March 6, 2023 at 9:00 am. Although applications will be accepted on an on-going basis, staff will review the first batch of applications (up to 50 applications for each grant opportunity) received on or before March 30, 2023 at 5:00pm so don’t wait to apply. If there are additional funds available after those applications are processed, staff will review the next batch of applications received.  

Residential Rental Assistance Program

The Residential Rental Assistance Program assists Union City residents who have been struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have been unable to pay their rent. The grant will cover up to 3 consecutive months of unpaid rent up to $7,500. Funds are paid directly to the landlord. Consistent with CDBG funding guidelines, the program is limited to rental households earning 80 percent of median income who have been impacted by COVID-19.  

For more information regarding the grant program including information regarding the income requirements, please visit : https://www.unioncity.org/551/6771/Residential-Rental-Assistance-Program.  

Road to Recovery Small Business Assistance Program

The Road to Recovery Small Business Assistance Program provides grants and forgivable loans to Union City businesses who have been directly impacted financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will provide grants in an amount up to $10,000 and forgivable loans up to $20,000. In order for the loan to be forgiven, the grant recipient must submit a tax return documenting that they have not received prior grant funding for the item that they are being reimbursed for. The grant funding can be used to cover the costs associated with installing permanent outdoor dining facilities. These funds can be used for installing permanent outdoor dining facilities, purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), payroll support, and coverage of rent, mortgage, or utilities with up to three months of assistance in arrears.  Consistent with CDBG funding guidelines, to qualify for assistance, the business must employ at least one low-moderate income employee (i.e., employee earning 80 percent or below of area median income).  

For more information regarding the grant program including information regarding the employee income requirement, please visit https://www.unioncity.org/550/COVID-19-Road-to-Recovery-Grants. 

Informational/Technical Assistance Meetings

The City will be holding two informational/technical assistance meetings to support residents and businesses with their applications and respond to any questions. These meetings will be streamed Via Zoom. See below for meeting information.

To ask question via Teleconference:  Members of the public may ask questions during the Question and answer portion of the meeting.  Raise your virtual hand to notify the host that you would like to speak during that portion.

 Instructions on Raising your Hand in Zoom Webinar:

1. Click Raise Hand in the webinar controls. The host will be notified that you've raised your hand.
2. If the host allows you to talk, you may be prompted to unmute yourself. While unmuted, your profile picture and name is displayed to the host and panelists. Only your name is displayed to other attendees.
3. Click Raise Hand in the webinar controls to lower it, if needed. This will not mute yourself if you are unmuted.

Zoom Shortcuts:

• Windows: You can also use the Alt+Y keyboard shortcut to raise or lower your hand.
• Mac: You can also use the Option+Y keyboard shortcut to raise or lower your hand.

ADA Accessibility:  If you require a reasonable modification or accommodation for a disability, please email the

City Clerk at Cityclerk@unioncity.org a minimum of two (2) business days prior to the meeting dates.