The City of Chandler’s economy benefits from a solid mix of industries, providing a wide range of job opportunities for our residents and a diversified tax base resulting in a strong and consistent revenue stream that helps pay for City services.
Our businesses are the lifeblood of our community, and when the pandemic hit and businesses had to either close or limit operations, the City quickly pivoted efforts, leveraged partnerships and advocated for national relief funding. From the nearly $30 million the City received from the State through AZ Cares dollars, Chandler dedicated over 30% to business assistance – the highest percentage allocated to business assistance compared to neighboring cities. In addition to AZ Cares money, the City also worked with the Chandler Industrial Development Authority to provide grants for personal protective equipment (PPE) reimbursement. In total, Chandler was able to garner approximately $10 million to dedicate to business assistance.
Since the program’s inception in August, over $3 million has been approved for more than 400 businesses through the I Choose Chandler Business Hiring and Retention Program. This funding has helped businesses keep employees and customers safe, helped to keep staff on payroll during uncertain times and has provided some relief to businesses as they adjust to impacts from COVID-19. This program has been expanded to support businesses in all industries. I would encourage any Chandler-based business to learn more about the program and eligibility requirements at azfoundation.org/ICC.
I am extremely proud of the innovative, diligent and creative approach the City has taken to support the business community through the pandemic. I also want to thank our businesses for staying strong, providing hope and continuing to serve our community through these tough times.
Businesses can learn more about all of Chandler’s grant programs and other support available at chandleraz.gov/COVID19BusinessResources.
Jeremy McClymonds is a Chandler City Council member and can be reached at jeremy.mcclymonds@chandleraz.gov.
