Press Release
Restaurant and Retail Stimulus Program
Eligible residents will receive $25 gift card by mail
Contact: Mitch Osur, Director of Parking and Downtown Services, 970-429-1766 or mitch.osur@cityofaspen.com
ASPEN, CO. – June 1, 2020 – In an effort to reinvigorate the Aspen economy, the City of Aspen is mailing $25 gift cards to all households who applied and qualified for a 2019 Food Tax Refund application. The gift cards are good for use at all participating businesses in Aspen, which will be listed on www.cityofaspen.com/covid19 by Monday, June 8 and will be updated daily thereafter. In addition, a flyer will be available for participating businesses to download and hang on their door or window so residents know that business is a program participant.
The gift cards are good for use through July 10 in all businesses that join the program.
“We are excited to be offering this opportunity to our residents and businesses,” said Mayor Torre. “The goals of this program are to stimulate the economy, help some of the business sectors hardest hit by COVID-19, and promote the community connections that make Aspen so great. We are ready to welcome our residents to Aspen’s downtown because we know one of our greatest assets is our people, and their love and support for one another. This can happen while we social distance, wear masks when required, and responsibly visit our local businesses.”
The gift cards are being mailed on or before Monday, June 8 to more than 1500 households. They must be used within Aspen City limits, one time at one location, and cannot be used at liquor stores or marijuana dispensaries. Please note, the cards are not available for pick-up but instead will be mailed to eligible residents.
Businesses are being contacted this week on details for how to participate and on reimbursement procedures from the City.
In late April, Aspen City Council established six outcomes to strategically address Aspen’s economic, social, physical, and cultural recovery from COVID-19. This program speaks to objective four, which has an aim to proactively and swiftly work to minimize further economic disruption and actively encourage its recovery.
The total cost of the program is $50,000 and is being financed by a $6million COVID-19 recovery fund City Council designated earlier this spring. In addition to the more than 1500 households receiving the gift cards, an additional 450 cards would be distributed to local non-profit entities and some will be given to the Aspen Police Department to distribute to individuals encountered by police officers who need assistance.
###