COVID-19 Resources

Local Government Resources

Planning and budgeting

Rural Development COVID-19 response from USDA Rural Development. Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economy Security Act - The FTA CARES Act is to provide $25 billion to transit agencies to help prevent, prepare and respond to the pandemic. County Governments and COVID-19: Key Issues and Resources - A legislative brief that summarizes key federal policy priorities, the county role and response, impact on county budgets, federal actions and more. COVID-19 County Budget Timeline Questions and Items of Interest - Fact sheet from TAC that covers several FAQs about county budgets. Video conferencing software offered by TAC - Videoconferencing software free to counties for 90 days.



Scams and fraud

The Federal Trade Commission warns about COVID-19 scams - Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus, the FTC offers tips to avoid falling victim to a scammer. United States Department of Justice information on COVID-19-related crime - This page includes further information as well as information to report fraud, price gouging, hoarding and more. Report unlawful sales of medical products to the United States Food & Drug Administration. Disaster Scams - Further information from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, as well as resources to report scams.



Funding

Reminder: Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program - Cities & counties may use this funding to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. Allowable projects and purchases include, but are not limited to, overtime, equipment, supplies, training, travel expenses, and addressing the medical needs of inmates in local and tribal jails and detention centers. Final date for application submission is 6/15/2020. Federal Relief Under the CARES Act: An Overview for Local Governments - This is a free training course from Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. It is designed for county judges, commissioners, municipalities and school districts. U.S. Economic Development Administration CARES Act Recover Assistance - The EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) (PDF) program, provides a wide-range of financial assistance to communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the pandemic. Fiscal Year 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program - The Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program – COVID-19 Supplemental (EMPG-S) assists states, territories, tribes, and local governments with their public health and emergency management activities supporting the prevention of, preparation for, and response to the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency.

Grant application portal. – Visit this website to make online requests for federal grants.

Distance learning and telemedicine grant funding from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

USDA measures to help rural residents, businesses, and communities.

USDA COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide - USDA and its federal partners have programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Coronavirus Resources for Prevention and Early Intervention Stakeholders and Providers - The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has gathered resources for caregivers and families to help through the COVID-19 pandemic.



Additional resources

Guidelines for reopening senior nutrition programs - Developed as a collaborative effort between the National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services, National Council on Aging, and ACL, these guidelines offer suggestions for senior nutrition programs to consider as their states move through the phases of reopening. Tax relief information from the IRS - The IRS is offering tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations affected by COVID-19.



Schools

Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center’s responding to COVID-19 - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has deeply impacted Head Start and Early Head Start programs, enrolled children and families, and their communities. This page is regularly updated with guidance and resources from the Office of Head Start (OHS) to help all programs support staff, children, and families during this challenging time Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs - This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). STAAR Testing Requirements Waived Student Work-Study Programs Regulations



Judicial and court resources

Guidance from the National Center for State Courts - Information including how COVID-19 is affecting courts, how courts are handling potential dangers and more. Texas Justice Court Training Center updates and resources - Information about conducting magistrations, eviction case issues, inquest issues and more.