With residents seeking information on what’s going on in their area during the COVID-19 pandemic, cities and chambers of commerce are regularly updating their sites to provide resources and news.
Here’s a rundown of the cities and chambers in the Reporter’s coverage area:
BELLEVUE
The city’s site is robust with updates on its COVID-19 page and features business and community resources pages at https://bellevuewa.gov.
On the utilities front, the department is suspending water shut-offs for non-payment during the crisis to help residents and businesses financially impacted by COVID-19. People can contact Utilities (425-452-6932 or utilities@bellevuewa.gov) to set up deferred payment plans.
At the Bellevue chamber, its site notes that: “Our nonprofit community is at the front lines of supporting the individuals, businesses and families who are most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. We want to help connect you with the individuals and resources you need to continue your important mission.”
Go online to https://bellevuechamber.org/.
ISSAQUAH
Residents can read Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly’s updates to the community and view the mayor’s proclamation of emergency that will assist the city in its response efforts. People can subscribe for future updates.
“Thank you, Issaquah community, for staying calm, being prepared and practicing safe behaviors. Stay safe. We will make it through this challenging time together,” Pauly wrote.
The site also features help with paying utilities, rent and mortgages, how to file for unemployment or workers’ compensation, where to find food assistance and more. There’s also information on how to help others, support local businesses, resources for local businesses and school updates.
Go online to https://www.issaquahwa.gov/3194/COVID-19
On the chamber side, its blog features COVID-19 information via a blog, with its latest entry on, Washington Counties Now Eligible for Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
For the blog, go online to https://www.issaquahchamber.com/.
KIRKLAND
The city has updated COVID-19 information with a message from Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet and fact sheets from Public Health – Seattle & King County.
“We do not yet know where this outbreak of COVID-19 in Kirkland will take us, all we can do is remain the calm, compassionate and courageous community we are despite any challenges that may come,” Sweet said in the video.
Go online to https://www.kirklandwa.gov.
The chamber site features a message from CEO Samantha St. John:
It reads, in part: “We are working in partnership with the city of Kirkland, Kirkland Downtown Association, corporate partners and community members to create a relief fund. Criteria and scope of how this fund will assist the community will be coming soon. Right now we are looking for contributors who are able to help us seed this fund. It is essential that we raise substantial funds to help the level of need that is arising daily.”
Go online to https://kirklandchamber.org/
REDMOND
For updated COVID-19 information and other city news, go online to https://www.redmond.gov/1356/Covid-19-Coronavirus-Information
Over at OneRedmond, executive director Kristina Hudson said in a message that: “First and foremost, we are an advocate for our businesses and non-profits to ensure they are ready and can receive any financial resources as they become available. We know that reaching out to our business community with resources quickly is crucial as they need to make informed decisions during this time of crisis.”
Go online to https://oneredmond.org/.
MERCER ISLAND
The city’s YouTube channel features Thursday Situation Briefings at 3 p.m. with city manager Jessi Bon speaking with city and community leaders about the most current COVID-19 information available.
Go online to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeJ06MR44sdsy8WyuMl-dcw. Residents can email questions to citymanager@mercergov.org by noon Thursday and they will try to address them during the presentation.
The chamber page features updates at http://www.mercerislandchamberofcommerce.org/.
SNOQUALMIE
The city’s site features a letter from Mayor Matt Larson to the community at https://www.ci.snoqualmie.wa.us/
It reads, in part:
“The city of Snoqualmie Department of Emergency Management continues to monitor the local risk of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19. The city is actively involved in meetings with local and regional agencies including King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County, and the Washington State Department of Health, among others.
“We are a strong community with exceptional individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Thank you for your continued trust, patience, and empathy for one another as we work together during this challenging time.”
BOTHELL
Bothell’s website includes resource links from the Northshore School District, Washington State Department of Health, Snohomish County Health District and King County Public Health.
The site notes: “City of Bothell continues to work closely with lead agencies, King County Public Health and Snohomish Health District, to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak. City staff are meeting on a regular basis to streamline communication and prepare, should conditions change here in our community.”
Go online to http://www.ci.bothell.wa.us/.
KENMORE
The Kenmore city website features news and updates at http://www.kenmorewa.gov/newsandevents.
“Together we are stronger” is the message sent forth at the Bothell Kenmore Chamber of Commerce page at https://bothellkenmorechamber.org.
“The Bothell Kenmore Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting our local businesses, that’s why we are providing these resources to assist you in preparing for, and working through the challenges related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19.) As a community we are all in this together, and if you have questions or need anything at all we encourage you to reach out to us.”
