Drafter

Clerk 04/07/2020

Title

A MOTION requesting that the King County executive create a blue ribbon panel of representatives from state and local governments, business and industry and other organizations, to identify and address issues relating to the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in King County.

Body

                     WHEREAS, the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") first appeared in people in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and

                     WHEREAS, public health - Seattle and King County activated the Public Health Departmental Emergency Operations Center on January 21, 2020, in preparation for a significant public health emergency caused by COVID-19, and

                     WHEREAS, confirmed cases of COVID-19 have since spread through community transmission King counties, and

                     WHEREAS, the World Health Organization recognized COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and

                     WHEREAS, the King County executive issued a proclamation of emergency on March 1, 2020, in order to allow King County to quickly respond to new or different demands on service in response to the emergency caused by COVID-19, and

                     WHEREAS, the Washington State Governor issued a “stay-at-home” order on March 23, 2020, for all but essential activities and essential workers, including those responding to the COVID-19 outbreak; and

                     WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic and response measures have resulted in a significant reduction in economic activity in retail, construction, manufacturing, travel, tourism, professional services, personal services, and other industries and businesses deemed non-essential in the Washington State Governor’s stay-at-home order; and

WHEREAS, COVID-19 response measures have resulted in significant unemployment claims and many Washington and King County businesses have already identified long-term negative impacts that will affect the reopening of businesses after the emergency is lifted; and

WHEREAS, the federal government has taken actions to ameliorate the financial impact of the pandemic on persons and businesses through the adoption of a two trillion dollar stimulus package for the country.

                     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:

1. The King County executive should establish a blue ribbon panel named the  “Coronavirus Recovery Economic” (CuRE) task force made up of state and local government leaders and business and industry representatives and leaders to identify issues and make recommendations for the economic recovery to the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

1.                     The CuRE task force membership shall include, but not be limited to, the following groups and organizations:

a.                     A representative from the Washington State office of the Governor;

b.                     Representatives from local governments within King County;

c.                     A representative from the construction industry;

d.                     A representative of the aerospace industry;

e.                     A representative of the information technology industry;

f.                     A representative of the online sales industry;

g.                     A representative of the manufacturing industry;

h.                     A representative of food production/distribution industry;

i.                     A representative from the hospitality industry;

j.                     A representative from the travel industry;

k.                     Representatives of the local Chambers of Commerce or other organizations supporting local businesses;

l.                     A representative of the King County Coalition of Unions;

m.                     A representative of the state of Washington Department of Commerce;

n.                     King County Chief Economist; and,

o.                     Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget.

                      The King County executive should, by May 15, 2020, begin the establishment of the task force and be prepared to report to the council its recommendations within three months of effective date of this motion.