Brooklyn Park To Offer Rent, Business Assistance After ICE Surge
Months after Operation Metro Surge, businesses in Brooklyn Park are still feeling its effects. A Brooklyn Park assistance program will soon be in place to help relieve some of that financial strain.
The city’s Economic Development Authority authorized $300,000 in rent assistance and another $270,000 in business assistance.
Community Development Director Tim Gladhill said based on city surveys, about 50 businesses in town will likely need some form of help.
“In the economic development world, we talk a lot about recruiting new and exciting businesses. But, at the core of what we do is supporting the business community that’s already here; making sure they have an opportunity to thrive.”
Many of those businesses are local restaurants, laundromats and convenience stores. Gladhill said they have a range of needs — some saw 40 to 50 percent impact to their businesses, others more of an 80 percent impact.
Gladhill said neighbors, mutual aid funds and other philanthropic donations have stepped up since Operation Metro Surge. The city is working with the nonprofits CAPI and the Latino Economic Development Center to help people with rent assistance.
Brooklyn Park is stepping up in its own way with the rent and business assistance. Gladhill said this program is unique, in comparison to the city’s other grants and loans, because businesses have to submit proof that their business was financially affected by that particular point in time.
The application for Brooklyn Park’s program hasn’t opened up yet — the initial funds will go to local businesses who applied for Hennepin County grants. Gladhill said an application directly through the city will open early the week of April 6. That will be available on the Brooklyn Park business resource page.
Gladhill said if any businesses have any questions to reach out to Business Development Coordinator Saolia Tucker. Her email is saolia.tucker@brooklynpark.org.
Also See: Local Mayors Demand State Aid, Accountability Following Operation Metro Surge
