Local leaders will deliver America's communities through this crisis. That's why Bloomberg Philanthropies created the City Hall Coronavirus Daily Update, to elevate the critical information city leaders need to respond to and recover from the challenges at hand.

Please share this email with other local decision makers—they can subscribe here. And please reach out with any suggestions for content you'd like to see or tips on the latest actions from your city.

Cuomo, Bloomberg launch multi-state contact-tracing program

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg on Wednesday announced the launch of the largest contact-tracing program in U.S. history. The effort is focused in New York state, Connecticut, and New Jersey, and will build the public-health capacity needed to contain the spread of Covid-19 and reopen the states safely. The initiative aims to build a model for staffing, training, and operations that other states can use to build their own efforts.

DATA TRACKER

Johns Hopkins' reported U.S. Covid-19 cases as of 8 a.m. EDT on April 23.

TOTAL CASES

842,624
(up 17,318 from April 22)

TOTAL DEATHS

46,785
(up 1,710 from April 22)

Find more up-to-date case counts and other critical information from the Johns Hopkins University's situation report and interactive map.

Professors from Harvard and Johns Hopkins universities are, on an ongoing basis, answering mayors’ questions about the virus and the crisis. Find a full list of questions and answers here.

Q: How are towns planning for summer recreation programs that kids and families in underserved communities rely on?

The virus is causing deep disruptions. It is important not just to address the immediate health concerns but also the many downstream effects. Summer programs are important to the mental and physical health of many communities, and it is important to find ways to reimagine them in light of the Covid-19 crisis. Cities don’t need to do this on their own—this is also a great opportunity to work with nonprofits and community organizations to reimagine and deliver these programs. For example, for soccer programs, coaches could prescribe drills and activities (with videos) that children can complete on their own…. What is also important to remember is that getting kids outdoors is also key to their resiliency. Many cities now experimenting with opening up are allowing for two-person park visits, dedicated walking areas with plenty of room (consider closing vehicular traffic to allow for more spaces), and additional bike lanes.

LATEST CITY ACTIONS

A roundup of responses to the coronavirus crisis. See the
Covid-19: Local Action Tracker for more.

BOLD LEADERSHIP

Lancaster, Pa., Mayor Danene Sorace “emerging as a visible, informed leader during Covid-19 shutdown.”
Columbia, S.C., Mayor Steve Benjamin says data—not dates—will drive his city's actions.

CLOSINGS, OPENINGS & SOCIAL DISTANCING

Mt. Vernon, Ala., will issue fines up to $500 to people not wearing masks in businesses within the city limits, while San Antonio, Texas, residents could face $1,000 fines and up to six months in jail for violating Covid-19 restrictions, which include wearing masks.
Memphis, Tenn., Mayor Jim Strickland announces new safety compliance protocol for big box stores.

ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

Topeka, Kan., mayor and city council members vote to reduce their pay, while Rocky Mount, N.C., Mayor Sandy Roberson donates the remainder of his salary back to the community.
Portland, Ore., offers $250 payments to families with low incomes who can document a Covid-19 related economic loss.
Dallas city council approves $13.7-million fund to help residents with low incomes pay rent, mortgages, and utilities. Nearby McKinney, Texas, offers $1,500 grants to local businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot proposes an ordinance that would prevent employers from firing or demoting an employee experiencing Covid-19 symptoms for staying home from work.

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Youngstown, Ohio, seeks to furlough up to 10 percent of city employees.

VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announces that more than a quarter of city nursing home residents are testing positive for Covid-19 and hopes to have all residents tested by the end of the week.
New Haven, Conn., organizes food assistance programs for vulnerable residents.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announces a citywide domestic-violence awareness campaign, which includes free Uber rides for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.
Augusta, Ga., partners with non-profits to provide 25,000 weekly meals to residents.

TESTING & MEDICAL

San Francisco Mayor London Breed announces the city will expand free testing to private-sector essential workers and residents without insurance, while Los Angeles now provides testing for asymptomatic essential workers.

GLOBAL OUTLOOK

London Mayor Sadiq Khan calls for the U.K. national government to increase protections for renters.
Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart says residents may face steep property tax hikes without financial assistance from the Canadian federal and provincial governments.

Daily Inspiration: #StayHomeChicago

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is known for her success in using social media to encourage residents to stay home. And now Chicago musicians are giving her a run for her money by putting a #StayHomeChicago spin on one of the city’s most popular blues standards, “Sweet Home Chicago.” Check out some of the inspiring renditions here.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

Find more Covid-19 resources for city leaders here. Please suggest new resources to include here.

EVENTS

How can city staff pursue equitable community engagement in the age of physical distancing? A webinar hosted by NACTO in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies will explore approaches for crafting online messaging and multi-channel outreach campaigns. The event is today, April 23 at 1 p.m. EDT. Register here.

GIFTS & GRANTS

GLG is offering pro bono access to its expert platform for non-profits, foundations, and social enterprises on the frontlines of Covid-19 response.
Airbnb is waiving fees on 100,000 stays for Covid-19 responders.
GrantWatch is a search engine connecting non-profits and small businesses to grant opportunities.
U.S. Digital Response is matching data and digital service volunteers with local and state governments to assist with rapid response Covid-19 projects.
Inc. has curated a list of tools, resources, and financial help for businesses.
No Kid Hungry is providing grants to schools and nonprofits offering meals for children.
Financial assistance for bar employees.
One Fair Wage is providing cash assistance to tipped and service workers through a new support fund.

OTHER RESOURCES

Info on which states are breaking down Covid-19 data by race. (Johns Hopkins University)
Information and resources for schools (U.S. Department of Education)
Helping children cope with Covid-19 changes (NASP)
Disaster Recovery Housing Coalition resources (NLIHC)
Environmental Protection Agency resources for local governments (EPA)
Partnership for Healthy Cities COVID-19 Response Center (Bloomberg Philanthropies)
Mental health resource and information guide (NAMI)
Analysis of when cities will feel worst of Covid-19 impact (Brookings)
Transportation Response Center (NACTO)
Crisis Communications Guide (The Communications Network)
5 types of local relief funds for small business and nonprofits.
What mayors need to know (US Conference of Mayors)
Resources for local leaders (National League of Cities)

CDC'S LATEST GUIDANCE FOR: