COVID-19 News Round-up for May 29

Policy & Stimulus News 
Gov. Ducey Announces Nearly $600M in Local Relief Funds 
The Governor’s Office is providing nearly $600M in coronavirus relief and recovery dollars for local Arizona governments and nonprofits as part of a funding plan announced by Governor Doug Ducey. The plan includes $441M in direct, flexible funding to local cities, towns and counties that did not receive direct funding earlier this year from the federal government. Local governments, tribal communities, schools and more will be eligible for expedited reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Administration for coronavirus-related expenses, including purchases of testing supplies, PPE and more. (Source: Office of the Governor) 
Economic News 
Pinal Leaders Say Some COVID-19 Impacts Likely to Remain 
At a recent Pinal Partnership virtual breakfast, many area business, education, and government officials praised the adaptability shown in response to process disruptions caused the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with many saying they believe some of the new practices will be long-term. (Source: PinalCentral) 
Current Downturn May Be Better Than 2008  
Nearly 40 real estate economists and analysts feel the COVID-19 recession will impact real estate markets and values less severely than the 2008 financial crisis — except for retail and hotel real estate. They predict a $275B decrease in transaction volumes in 2020, according to a survey in May by the Urban Land Institute. But they expected volumes to rise over the next two years, which would create a healthier capital market compared to the 2008 Great Recession. (Source: GlobeSt.com) 
Homebuilders Committing to More Construction 
Homebuilders are pulling more single-family building permits than they did this time last year, according to data released by the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona. From January-April, homebuilders pulled 8,680 permits, an 11 percent increase over the same period during 2019. (Source: Phoenix Business Journal) 
Impact of Crisis on Energy and Infrastructure 
With states now modifying their stay-at-home orders and social distancing restrictions, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on energy and infrastructure projects remains unclear. There have been several immediate impacts ranging from supply chain and labor force disruptions, from delays arising from the stay-at-home orders and the financial impact of the pandemic, to the adoption of virtual open houses and other online tools for public engagement. (Source: Snell & Wilmer) 
Resources 
Virtual Training Keeps ADOT Construction Academy Rolling 
To continue helping members of disadvantaged groups during the current public health situation, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Construction Academy is allowing participation through video conferencing and online instruction. (Source: Arizona Department of Transportation) 
Municipal Operations Overview Update 
On May 27th, Rose Law Group posted an update to its list of schedules and availabilities for government offices, planning & development services and public meetings around Maricopa and Pinal counties. (Source: Rose Law Group Reporter)