Ordinance amending the Administrative Code to create the Small Business Rezoning Construction Relief Program (“Program”) to provide financial support, including grants and loans, to businesses impacted by construction relating to the City residential rezoning program adopted in 2025-2026; establishing the Small Business Rezoning Construction Relief Fund (“Fund”) to receive monies for the Program; designating the Office of Small Business and Office of Economic and Workforce Development to administer the Fund and the Program and promulgate rules and regulations in furtherance of the Program; and amending the Business and Tax Regulations Code to allow taxpayers to designate a portion of their gross receipts taxes for deposit in the Fund.

This ordinance (File No. 250782) establishes the Small Business Rezoning Construction Relief Program and Fund to provide financial support, including grants and loans, to small businesses impacted by construction from the City's residential rezoning program (adopted 2025-2026). The Fund, administered by the Office of Small Business and Office of Economic and Workforce Development, can receive up to $8 million annually from taxpayers designating up to 4% of their gross receipts taxes, retroactive to January 1, 2025. Eligible businesses include those with up to 100 employees and annual gross revenue of $5 million (or $7 million for eating/drinking establishments), if impacted within two years of applying. Rules for the program, including applicant qualifications and prioritization for single-location businesses, will be promulgated within 12 months of the ordinance's effective date.

This program helps local small businesses survive construction disruptions and potential displacement caused by new housing development, aiming to preserve neighborhood services and character, and allows taxpayers to direct a portion of their gross receipts taxes to this effort.

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