Message from Mayor Kapszukiewicz
I want to thank all Ohioans who have proactively taken some common-sense steps to slow the spread of COVID-19, which is still a real threat for our city. The daily number of infections is steadily increasing and we need to make sure we follow the guidelines to save lives and prevent another economic shutdown that will negatively impact our economy.

The primary tool we have to stop the spread of COVID-19 is a facial covering, which is now required in Lucas County under Gov. Mike DeWine’s order that took effect today. Toledo’s mask mandate took effect this week, just before the infection numbers in our county prompted the governor’s order.
I know there are people passionately on both sides of this issue. I implore you to consider the benefits of wearing a mask or facial covering, along with avoiding large gatherings, practicing social distancing, and remembering to wash your hands often.

If you have concerns about the mask requirement, or would like to report any issues, please call the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department at 419-213-4161, press option 4, and leave a message.
Pathway Inc.
I was excited this week to join officials from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to officially designate Pathway Inc. as an “EnVision Center” -- the fifth such center in Ohio.

The designation was created by HUD to connect vulnerable families to services that build self-sufficiency. Toledo is the 75th largest city in the United States, but we were chosen as one of 48 cities to house to an EnVision Center.
The development in downtown Toledo is exciting, but we have focused much attention on our neighborhoods in order for the entire city to thrive. Neighborhoods are where people live, and that is where we need great momentum for our city to truly thrive.

The city of Toledo has made the betterment of our neighborhoods and housing a priority through a number of recently announced programs, both because of the great need that exists, and also because of the vital role neighborhoods play in our community. I am hopeful that the EnVision Centers program will lead to the redirection of more badly needed federal dollars into neighborhoods and urban redevelopment, along with help for HUD-assisted families and the technical assistance that the program will provide to one of our important partner organizations here in Toledo.
Southwyck
Finally this week, I would like to end on some good news.

While we deal with the challenges from COVID-19 and its economic impact nationwide, I like to point out that we are pushing forward with a number of economic development projects. Notably, Amazon is making great progress on its new building on the site where Southwyck Shopping Center once stood. That long vacant and blighted property is being recreated and redeveloped into a prosperous parcel for our city that brings new jobs for our residents.
Lucas County Land Bank
The Land Bank will be 10 years old soon and it needs your help to decide what's next.

They want to learn more about what they are doing well, what they could do better, and what priorities are most important in the coming years.

Please take this anonymous survey to share your thoughts. (It will only take a few minutes.)

Your perspective is important and this survey is the land bank's best chance to hear from you during this pandemic. The survey expires on Aug. 15.
Parks
Learn more about FREE Parks and Recreation programming and FREE daily fitness activities at this link .
Toledo-Lucas County Health Department
Free COVID-19 testing is still available. Go to this link for more information: www.lucascountyhealth.com/covid-19-testing-locations/
Neighborhoods
Read the latest from the City of Toledo Neighborhoods Department at this link .

Rental Assistance is available for Toledo residents who were impacted by COVID-19.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Fund will assist approximately 700 eligible households with up to three months of rent payments.

Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Payments will be made directly to the landlord and may cover rent, past due rent, late fees, new renter fees, security deposits. Non-rental payments, including utility deposits and moving costs, will be made directly to the vendor.
Free Summer Lunch Program for Children
Food is provided free to children Monday through Friday, until Aug. 14 through a partnership with the Children’s Hunger Alliance for the City of Toledo’s Children Feeding Program. (While supplies last. No need to pre-register.)

Children’s Hunger Alliance staff will be at the following parks, Monday through Friday:

  • Wilson Park, 600 East Oakland St., Toledo, Ohio 43608, underneath open air shelter, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
  • Navarre Park, 1001 White St., Toledo, Ohio 43605, pool house/parking lot, 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Savage Park, 650 Nebraska Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43604, underneath open air shelter, 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
  • Walbridge Park, 2761 Broadway, Toledo 43609, underneath open air shelter, 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
  • Ottawa Park, 2200 Kenwood Blvd., Toledo 43606, underneath open air shelter, 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Mark Your Calendars
Toledo City Council

Toledo City Council will hold three virtual meetings next week:

  • July 21, 1:55 p.m. – Special Council Meeting
  • July 21, 2 p.m. – Agenda Review
  • July 23, 1:30 p.m. – Finance and Debt Oversight Committee

To observe, go to http://Toledo.Legistar.com , scroll to the date, and click on “In Progress."
Please join us for a free movie in the park.

We will show The Wiz at 7:30 p.m., Thursday , July 23 at Joe. E Brown Park, 150 West Oakland St.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and enjoy a movie under the stars! Physical distancing protocols will be followed.

The city of Toledo supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability to fully participate in this event, please contact ADA Administrator Joan Easler, City of Toledo Office of Diversity and Inclusion, at 419-245-1059.
By The Numbers
(year to date)
56,756 potholes filled
1,844,567 pounds of debris cleared from streets with street sweepers
1,611,092 pounds of debris cleared from alleys
129 water main breaks repaired
790,089 feet of sanitary sewers cleaned
8,478 feet of storm sewers cleaned
4,286 building inspections completed
1,489 contractor licenses issued
942 fire runs
27,457 EMS runs
Read Last Week's Newsletter