Employer/Employee Resources

COVID 19 Vaccine Resources:

Please check local pharmacies and healthcare providers for availability or access vaccination information and events offered by the Pierce County Health Department:

https://www.piercecountywa.gov/7096/Covid-19-Vaccine-Information

Testing:

A variety of Covid19 testing options are now available:  Official information about testing in Pierce County is available here:

https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/diseases/covid-19/testing-information

City of Tacoma Permitting Support

Planning and Development Services has introduced new ways for customers to interact with our staff and serve you better throughout the pandemic. We now offer a new Virtual Counter Meeting for Land Use.

Virtual Counter Meetings – This free service provides a 15-20 minute meeting conducted over a computer, tablet or smartphone using Microsoft Teams. Customers may select a date and time to meet, speak face-to-face (virtually) with staff, share electronic documents, and ask questions. For more information you can visit https://www.tacomapermits.org/tip-sheet-index/virtual-counter-meetings or access the direct scheduling links below.

• *NEW* Land Use (click here to schedule a meeting)
  For general land use and zoning information about:
  – Property research
  – When a land use permit is required and understanding the process
  – Finding permit information or public notice information
  – Subdividing property and understanding the process
  – When SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) is required
  – How a property can be used
  – Information about critical areas
• Residential Building and Site Development (click here to schedule a meeting)
  For residential projects (single and two-family dwellings, and accessory dwelling units):
  – Zoning
  – Building Code
  – Traffic
  – Off-site improvements
  – Sanitary/storm sewer regulations
• Commercial Building Code (click here to schedule a meeting)
  For general building code information about buildings and structures for all occupancies other than single and two-family dwellings (commercial, industrial, multi-family buildings, etc.):
  – Building life safety (exiting, egress, accessibility)
  – Structural
  – Building systems (plumbing, mechanical, energy)

By Appointment-Only Limited In-Person Services are now available every Tuesday, between 9 AM to 1 PM. This is an opportunity to meet with our permit specialist team to drop off permit documents or make payments by check, cash or credit card at the Tacoma Municipal Building (747 Market Street, Room 332, Tacoma, WA 98402). If you would like to schedule an in-person appointment, please visit https://www.tacomapermits.org/planning–and–development–services-reopening or call 253.591.5030 option 9 and our staff can assist with scheduling.

We understand that because this service is limited to dropping off documents and making payments, you may have other needs or questions you’d like to discuss with us. For further assistance, you can reach us by phone or email by visiting https://www.tacomapermits.org/contact-us for the multiple ways to connect with us.

Please note that our current In-Person Services and Virtual Counter Meetings are not intended to be a discussion with reviewers about an existing application or permit. Please contact your reviewer for specific questions or reach out to our permit specialist team at 253.591.5030 or permits@cityoftacoma.org to be directed to the appropriate reviewer.

As always, you can visit us 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week to apply for permits, check permit status, schedule inspections and pay for permits at TacomaPermits.org or Permit Portal (Accela).

Pierce County Professional Services Providers Roster RFQ Now Open

Professional services providers have the opportunity to be on a list of qualified professional services providers who will be matched with Pierce County businesses

The Pierce County Council has allocated American Rescue Plan Act funding for grants to assist businesses with their professional services needs such as: bookkeeping, tax advice, graphic design, web design, marketing strategies, and legal advice.

Professional services providers interested to be on the list need to submit a bid with some basic information regarding your business. To submit a bid:

1. “Log In” or Register” their business if the business has not already registered on the Pierce County Solicitation Portal;
2. Once logged in to the Pierce County Solicitation Portal  go to “Bids” and select Bid Number 21-145: Professional Services for Pierce County Businesses – Roster;
3. Complete and submit your bid.

Questions? Contact us at 253.798.6150 or send an email.

TACOMA PUBLIC UTILITIES BUSINESS SUPPORT

Minority Business Contracting Opportunities with Sound Transit

Capacity Building Mentorship Program for vendors

WWW.CapacityMentorship.com

City’s 2020/2021 Construction Projects Forecasting

Workforce Central

In response to COVID-19, Workforce Central is providing links to resources for the community and businesses, a listing of partners and affiliate sites that are temporarily closed, and a listing of events and activities that are cancelled or postponed.

Rapid Response South Sound

Washington Ready – We’re Open Washington!

WHAT’S OPEN

On June 30, 2021, Washington state fully reopened and all industry sectors previously covered by the Roadmap to Recovery Phased Reopening (with limited exceptions for large indoor events) returned to usual capacity and operations. This does not include masking, which will continue under current guidance.

For more information on limitations for large indoor events visit the Governor’s Office website.

GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS

Businesses must be able to meet all safety criteria in order to open.

• Guidance documents are posted on the governor’s website.
• The state Department of Health also provides guidance and information for businesses, non-profits, service providers, health providers and others.

Have questions or complaints?

• Read our Frequently Asked Questions page
• Ask questions about the Healthy Washington plan
• If you think a business is not complying with the healthy Washington plan, submit an anonymous report. Background: Guidelines for enforcement for the Governor’s order (pdf)
• For employees to file workplace safety and health complaints, call the L&I Call Center: 1-800-423-7233

Washington State Small Business Liaison Team

A cross-sector team working to make Washington the best place to do business. The team includes 27 agencies participating in subgroups that focus on outreach programs, soliciting ideas for regulatory improvement, and developing new business tools. Download the liaison contact list.

Washington State Department of Commerce Economic Resiliency Team (ERT) Business Response Center.

Business owners and operators may obtain answers to general business inquiries regarding financial assistance, return to work or other business questions related to recovery efforts. ASK YOUR QUESTION HERE.

Governor Jay Inslee’s Office

The Governor’s proclamations page can be found here. ​

Washington Health Benefit Exchange

One in four Washingtonians get health and dental coverage through the Washington Healthplanfinder at wahealthplanfinder.org or the mobile app WAPlanfinder. Individuals can receive free help applying from an expert in their community at wahealthplanfinder.org/find-expert-advice.html.

• COVID-19 FAQs: Answers to frequently asked questions during the Coronavirus pandemic.
• How to Report a Change Online Through Washington Healthplanfinder
  Current Washington Healthplanfinder enrollees are experiencing life changes as a result of COVID-19, including loss of income. Reporting changes may qualify individuals for additional financial help

Washington State Employment Security Department

ESD needs employer assistance regarding unemployment insurance fraud

Tips from the ESD for people applying for benefits and filing weekly claims:

• The more people prepare before they apply, the smoother their process will be to get their benefits.
• You can apply for benefits at any time. This is not a first-come-first-served program. There is no risk of funds running out.
• Payments are retroactive to a worker’s eligibility date. Once you have successfully applied and backdated your start date, your first payment will be for all weeks for which you are eligible.
• Weekly claims can be filed seven days a week. They can also be filed over the automated phone system: 800-318-6022
• E-services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The busiest times tend to be in the morning. ESD recommends trying during off-hours.
• If you are having difficulty filing your application, please visit ESD’s help page.
• Due to the continued high demand for unemployment benefits, ESD is offering a webinar for customers to learn more about setting up a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account and submitting a claim for benefits online.
• ESD also has created a tool kit for businesses and workers with the latest information and resources related to filing for unemployment benefits.

ESD launches daily webinars to assist customers signing up for unemployment benefits. Participants will be guided through:

• • Setting up a SAW account,
  • Filing a new UI Claim,
  • Guidance on standby and work search requirements,
  • General UI requirements and information,
  • Services and programs offered through the WorkSource Offices.
  • Register here.

Washington Department of Labor and Industries

• Paid sick leave
• Workers’ compensation
• Workplace safety and health
• Stay informed

Washington State Coronavirus Response

Central repository of information regarding:

• Business and workers
• Childcare/K-12/higher education
• Health
• Government emergency actions
• You and your family
• Travelers and commuters

Employer Provided Vaccine Clinic Resources

Eligible businesses that allow employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine can receive a tax credit. Partner with a vaccine provider to host an on-site vaccination clinic.

Find a vaccine provider

PPP Forgiveness

On July 28, 2021, the SBA launched a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program loans of $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.

Learn more

 

America’s Small Business Development Center Washington

Business Survival Strategies

www.USA.gov/coronavirus

Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19 | USAGov

Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19. Learn about international travel restrictions, how you can prepare for coronavirus, and what the U.S. government is doing in response to the virus.

www.usa.gov

United States Department of Labor

• Employee Rights Family First Coronavirus Response Act