COVID-19 News Round-up for April 17

Policy & Stimulus News 
Governor Seeks Businesses Recovery Input 
Governor Doug Ducey asked leaders from Arizona’s lodging and business communities to provide their feedback on a plan for economic recovery. The request seeks recommendations to help accelerate a business and economic recovery including incorporating public health guidance into everyday business practices, policy suggestions, regulatory reforms and other executive actions. (Source: Office of the Governor)  
ABC Comments on OSHA Guidance 
Associated Builders and Contractors VP of Health, Safety, Environment and Workforce Development Greg Sizemore issued a statement on the release of Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s April 10 guidance on recording cases of COVID-19. (Source: Associated Builders and Contractors) 
Economic News 
Belfiore Optimistic for Q4 Housing Recover 
Real estate expert Jim Belfiore is optimistic that the housing market will start to recover by the fourth quarter and rebound in 2021 aided by low mortgage interest rates. (Source: Rose Law Group Reporter) 
SBA Loan Program Slashed 
The U.S. Small Business Administration last month began offering “Economic Injury Disaster Loans” of as much as $2M to businesses affected by the spread of COVID-19. And businesses were supposed to be able to apply for a $10K “advance” on the loan that would be paid within three days and didn’t need to be paid back. But those are now reduced. The advance is now limited to $1K per employee and the entire disaster loan available was reduced to $15K for some businesses. (Source: AZCentral) 
Renaissance Square Lowers Rents 
Renaissance Square is offering discounts on move-in-ready spec suites, knocking the price down from $36/SF to $26-$28/SF, depending on the suite. The building also is offering short- or long-term leases on the suites. (Source: Phoenix Business Journal) 
Resources 
Rose Law Group City Operations Updates 
Rose Law Group has published a chart of current status updates for area municipalities’ operations, planning and development services and public meetings. (Source: Rose Law Group Reporter) 
Rapid Program Management Team Created for Emergency Response Buildings 
EbTech Industrial, Element Grow, Linked Enterprises, and Sprung Structures are experienced in providing finished emergency response buildings at the speed disaster recovery demands. The firms have banded together under the banner RPM Team to provide “architecture, civil, structural and MEPF engineering, and procurement, project and construction management services that help expedite the structure-to-site process.” (Source: RPM Team) 
Resources for Commercial Landlords 
Attorney and Shareholder Casey S. Blais of Burch & Cracchiolo has compiled a list of resources and recommendations for commercial landlords facing defaults, delayed rent payments and other concerns in the current crisis. (Source: AZ Big Media) 
3 Tips to Transform Healthcare Space 
On April 15, GlobeSt.com published an article providing three tips on transforming spaces to meet crisis-related healthcare needs. (Source: GlobeSt.com) 
Advice on SBA Paycheck Protection Program 
Robert J. Blaney, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration for Arizona, has provided advice for business owners looking to take advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program. (Source: Phoenix Business Journal) 
ABM Tips on Facility Protection 
ABM Building Services has created a list of eight best practice considerations to protect facilities during reduced or ceased operations. (Source: ABM Building Services)