Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webinar Series

Free Aim Webinar Series on COVID-19 Response

On March 17, Aim embarked on a series of COVID-19 related webinars as a means for pushing additional information to our membership.

Webinars that have already occurred are available to be viewed using the links below. If a webinar has not yet occurred, you can register below for free. Aim has expanded our webinar capacity to accommodate higher volume – please consider joining one of these important webinars!

Additional webinars will continue to be added. Please check this page regularly and watch your inbox for more updates.

Part 16 – CARES Act Reimbursement for Cities and Towns

Recorded on Thursday, July 2, 10:00 a.m. Eastern

Earlier this year, in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act). As a result, Indiana received about $2.4 Billion dollars in relief. While most local units of government were not singled out to receive direct funding from the bill, Governor Holcomb allocated $300 Million to cities, towns, and counties for reimbursement for certain qualified coronavirus related expenses. This important webinar will answer your questions regarding the reimbursement process and eligible expenses.

Part 15 – Temporary Rule: Paid Leave under the FFCRA

Recorded on Wednesday, June 17, 10:00 a.m. Eastern

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act includes a temporary rule through December 31, 2020, on paid leave that requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The issues involved in this rule include which employers and employees are covered, how much leave time and pay is required, exemptions, and enforcement. The webinar will also include information on employment discrimination laws due to COVID-19.

Part 14 – A Second Look at Available Funding Opportunities to Assist Cities, Towns and Small Businesses

Recorded on Wednesday, May 6, 10:00 a.m. Eastern

The mounting impact of the current pandemic has municipal officials searching high and low for information on available relief funding.  Aim will host a second webinar to provide members with available information on direct funding, loan programs, and other financial recovery options coming to light.  Join us as we advance the conversation started and help guide you to potential programs that may be of use to you and your citizens in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Part 13 – Panel Discussion: Governor Holcomb’s Team and Aim Leaders Talk COVID-19 Updates for Local Units

Recorded on Monday, May 4, 10:00 a.m. Eastern

There is still much to discuss in terms of Indiana’s needs regarding the ongoing public health crisis.  And, as talk turns to re-opening our state and what that means, Aim members have many questions and concerns about how to approach community events, local business concerns, and much more.  During this webinar, a panel of Aim leaders and members of Governor Holcomb’s administration will discuss the latest information and updates local units need to make critical decisions.  Join us for this important and instructive discussion.

Part 12 – Q & A with Governor Holcomb’s Agency Leaders and Key Staff

Recorded on Friday, April 17, 3:45 p.m. Eastern

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, more questions arise. On Friday, April 17 Aim will host members of Governor Holcomb’s staff and key agency leaders for a second Q&A-style webinar to answer some of your more pressing questions regarding the Governor’s Executive Orders, funding availability, public health needs and more. Please send your questions in advance to aim@aimindiana.org to ensure the Governor’s office has the appropriate staff members on the line. 

Part 11 – Helping your Community Cope with the Mental Stress of COVID-19

Recorded on Thursday, April 16, 10:00 a.m. Eastern

As we isolate in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19, we are hopefully addressing the risk of physical illness to our fellow citizens. One major question remains, are we adequately addressing the risk of mental illness and stress during such an unprecedented and scary moment in time? Fear, change in routine, economic uncertainty, domestic stress, and other factors are contributing to skyrocketing calls for help. While many communities are providing impressive outreach, one central Indiana community will be on hand to share their multi-faceted approach during this important webinar.

Part 10 – An Early Look at Available Funding Opportunities to Assist Cities, Towns and Small Businesses

Recorded on Tuesday, April 14, 2:00 p.m. Eastern

While the pandemic continues to halt all activities as we knew them, much attention is turning to the aftermath and how we will pick up the pieces when the time comes. Every 2-3 weeks Aim will provide members with available information on direct funding, loan programs, and other financial recovery options coming to light. Join us for this initial webinar to get the conversation started and help guide you to potential programs that may be of use to you and your citizens in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Part 9 – Municipal Utilities – Financial Strains and Administrative Challenges

Recorded on Wednesday, April 8, 11:00 a.m. Eastern

Municipal utilities are among the essential services our citizens cannot go without. We have discussed continuity of operations during this pandemic, but there is more to the story. What are the potential financial impacts of this crisis on your utility? Can your utility assist with possible municipal revenue shortfalls? How should you communicate with ratepayers during this difficult time? We’ll address these and many other pressing questions during this important webinar.

Part 8 – Using Social Media and other Strategies to Communicate with your Citizens

Recorded on Thursday, April 2, 10:00 a.m. Eastern

During this unprecedented moment in time, hosting traditional, in-person press conferences is not a prudent or viable option for keeping your community informed. Understanding what is important to communicate, how to communicate without exposing yourself or others, when to provide information, and how often to do so are just a few of the pressing challenges facing city and town leaders. This webinar will offer examples of timely, effective communication and expert advice on how to give your citizens confidence in your leadership during this time of crisis. 

Part 7 – Emergency Paid Leave and Other HR Questions

Recorded on Wednesday, April 1, 10:00 a.m. Eastern

Human Resources continues to be among the biggest challenges facing cities and towns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The recently passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act included provisions to provide employees with emergency paid leave.  How does this impact you as employers?  What are the other employee relations challenges revealing themselves the longer this pandemic goes on?  This webinar will discuss the recently passed Act and answer your new HR questions.

In addition to this webinar, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP issued an online article: DOL Issues Temporary Final Rule Clarifying Requirements for Paid Leave Under the FFCRA.

The U.S. Department of Labor issued more information on the Temporary Rule: Paid Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Part 6 – Indiana Bond Bank Resources

Recorded on Monday, March 30, 9:30 a.m. Eastern

Governor Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-05 which allows for property tax waivers for up to 60 days past May 11, 2020.  This is likely to have a significant impact on local Indiana governments and their management of cashflows. The Indiana Bond Bank offers the Advance Funding Program to assist local units of government facing cash flow shortages.  For over 30 years, Advance Funding provides funds for the purchase of temporary loan tax or revenue anticipation warrants, while eliminating the need to bid the financing. Join this webinar for an overview of the program and current application process for the 2020 Midyear Advance Funding Program.  The Program has added additional features in response to COVID-19, including options on timing of funds based on local need.

Part 5 – Q & A Regarding Governor Holcomb’s Executive Orders

Recorded on Wednesday, March 25, 3:00 p.m. Eastern

Information is coming at you from all angles! On Wednesday, March 25, Aim will host members of Governor Holcomb’s staff and key agency leaders on a Q&A-style webinar to answer some of your more pressing questions regarding the Governor’s recent Executive Orders. Please send your questions in advance to aim@aimindiana.org.

Part 4 – Open Door Law

Recorded on Monday, March 23, 1:00 p.m. Eastern

The Open Door Law and its edicts regarding transparency and accountability are something every municipal official takes seriously. In Aim’s fourth COVID-19 webinar, the State of Indiana Public Access Counselor will be on hand to discuss Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-04, affording governmental units some latitude, within reasonable parameters, to conduct business in a manner that allows you to host official meetings and still follow CDC recommendations relative to public gatherings.

Part 3 – SBOA

Recorded on Friday, March 20, 1:00 p.m. Eastern

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing everyone to re-examine nearly every aspect of day-to-day life. The State Board of Accounts has been considering how local units may need to react to this changing landscape and how those reactions will be perceived at audit time. Several SBOA leaders will be on hand to provide guidance and answer your questions. Join this important webinar to discuss the SBOA Policy regarding Coronavirus, the SBOA items to consider when developing actions and policies regarding coronavirus, and any new developments that may arise!

Part 2 – Operating your Water/Wastewater Utilities during a Pandemic

Recorded on Wednesday, March 25, 9:30 a.m. Eastern

As you make difficult determinations regarding municipal employees during the COVID-19 crisis, there are many important requirements you need to consider regarding your municipal water and wastewater utilities. Join this webinar to discuss important water and wastewater laws and regulations, how to prepare for and mitigate the virus among your utility workforce, what makes this segment of your workforce different from others, the resources available to you, how to review your supply chain, and show appreciation for those you manage.

Part 1 – Human Resources

Recorded on Tuesday, March 17, 1:00 p.m. Eastern

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a vast array of issues that have not been thought about ever before. Aim is helping you navigate through the current state of affairs with a webinar geared toward human resource matters. Questions about teleworking, leave time for self-quarantine, paying employees if town/city hall closes, and more will be discussed by Katharine Webb and Brian McDermott with Jackson Lewis P.C.

Additional Webinars

Purdue Extension and Indiana local government associations have come together to provide a central hub of educational resources for local governments as they work to keep their community healthy, safe, and well-informed. Below are webinars available to Aim Members.

Economic Outlook Update and Legislative Panel, Purdue University Extension Community Development

Friday, November 13, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Eastern

It’s been a long 7 months since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Indiana and while we are still in the midst of it we do have a better picture of how the virus is impacting the economy than we did last spring.

In this On Local Government webinar, Larry DeBoer will look at how the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the national and Indiana economy, and we’ll hear from panelists, Representative Tim Brown, Representative Greg Porter, Senator Ryan Mishler, Senator Karen Tallian, and OMB Director Cris Johnston about the effects of the corona-recession on the upcoming state budget.

COVID-19 and Local Transportation Funding, LTAP

Recorded on Tuesday, April 21, 10 a.m. Eastern

This webinar will take a look at the revenue sources for the Motor Vehicle Highway Account, the Local Road and Street Account, and Community Crossings and how the “stay at home” order can be affecting them. This will provide some helpful information on how to plan for the future and how to utilize your asset management plan during this pandemic. Local agencies should of received a survery to be filled out.

COVID-19 and Local Transportation Funding, LTAP

Recorded on Tuesday, April 21, 10 a.m. Eastern

This webinar will take a look at the revenue sources for the Motor Vehicle Highway Account, the Local Road and Street Account, and Community Crossings and how the “stay at home” order can be affecting them. This will provide some helpful information on how to plan for the future and how to utilize your asset management plan during this pandemic. Local agencies should of received a survery to be filled out.

Programming through Zoom and other Online Platforms, Purdue Extension

Recorded on Tuesday, April 14, 10 a.m. Eastern

Join Purdue Extension Educators, Krista Pullen and Mindy Mayes, for a webinar offering tips and tricks on how to use the Zoom video conferencing. This program will discuss using Zoom and how to hold educational programs and meetings using Zoom. We will also demonstrate how to use Facebook Live and how to use Facebook Live within Zoom.

COVID-19: How Local Leaders Can Help Vulnerable Households Get Online, National League of Cities

Recorded on April 2, 2:00 p.m. Eastern

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, most communities have been asked to restrict their movements and access education, work, socializing, and healthcare online at home. However, more than 20% of households lack a laptop or desktop computer at home or in-home broadband. The percentage climbs for low-income and older adult community members. Join the National League of Cities and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance to learn what steps local leaders can take right now to help low-income and vulnerable families access broadband connections and devices to get online during the crisis.

COVID-19 Concerns in Grantseeking, Foundant for Grantseekers

Recorded on April 2, 2:00 p.m. Eastern

While the response to COVID-19 has taken on some familiar patterns for funders and grantees, it has also brought up some new scenarios and challenges. This webinar is an opportunity to come with your questions and share your insights on grantseeking in the time of COVID-19.

Economic Outlook, Purdue Extension

Recorded on April 1, 12:00 p.m. Eastern

Join Dr. Larry DeBoer for an update of how the COVID-19 pandemic could impact the national economy and how this could impact Indiana communities’ and local governments. The presentation is available here.

COVID-19 Response Program, OCRA

Recorded on April 1, 10:00 a.m. Eastern

In order to provide further detail and an avenue to answer questions on the new COVID-19 Response Program, the Office of Community and Rural Affairs hosted a webinar from 10-11 a.m. ET on Wednesday, April 1. If you have any questions related to this program, please email info@ocra.in.gov or contact your respective Community Liaison.

Tips for Recovering COVID-19 Costs, ICMA

Recorded on March 31

In this presentation, O’Mara discussed federal funding opportunities related to COVID-19, and the many puzzle pieces, including the CARES Act, FEMA Public Assistance, and funding from Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control, Housing and Urban Development, Small Business Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and Community Disaster Loans.

What Cities Need to Know About Implementing Changes to Paid Sick Leave and Family and Medical Leave, National League of Cities

Recorded on Friday, March 27

A historically heated conversation around paid sick leave might come to a boil today, Wednesday, April 1, when the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) goes into effect. Two things will change: 1. Certain employees will be entitled to two weeks (80 hours) of paid sick leave over and above any time already taken off. And 2. Certain employees who have been on the job for at least 30 days are entitled to 12 weeks of job-protected leave if they cannot work or telework due to a quarantine or isolation order, either they or their family members are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or they are caring for a child whose school or place of care has temporarily closed.

Additional resource documents include NLC Blog Local Governments Lead the Charge on Providing Emergency Leave to Employees, NLC Generated FAQ, Department of Labor FAQ, and speaker David Ritter’s slides

Update for Rural Partners, Stakeholders, and Communities on the COVID-19 Response

Recorded on March 23, 1:00 p.m. Eastern

Dr. Butler will share guidance with partners, public health practitioners, healthcare providers, and others working to protect the health of rural communities. He will describe what CDC knows at this point and what CDC is doing in response to this outbreak. We will also have time for questions and answers. Please email eocevent337@cdc.gov to submit questions in advance and indicate that questions are for the 3/23 call. This event will be recorded. Questions not answered during it may be sent to ruralhealth@cdc.gov.

COVID-19: A Community Development Response, Prosperity Indiana

Recorded on March 20

Learn what steps Prosperity Indiana’s partners in the field are taking to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on their organizations and the services they provide and discover how CDOs are collaborating with other organizations to respond to changing community needs.

Libraries and the COVID-19 Global Pandemic, Indiana Library Federation

Recorded on March 14

Lucinda Nord gives an overview of the Emergency Planning Cycle, the role libraries play in a pandemic response and what some libraries are doing.