Explanation
BACKGROUND: In 2014 President Obama called on cities, non-profits, and the private sector to collaborate and close opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color (B&YMOC). Columbus was one of the first cities to answer this call. The city and partner organizations brought together more than 500 B&YMOC to ensure that Columbus’ My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) work was grounded in testimony from the target population. Numerous non-profit service providers, schools, and companies have created programs to serve vulnerable youth of color since the launch of the national MBK initiative.
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into a service contract with Reach Communications in an amount up to $127,000.00 to provide planning, development and implementation of an extensive, city-wide community-mobilization process over a one-year period, with a focus on reducing and disrupting youth violence in Columbus. It is in the best interest of the City to waive the competitive bidding provisions of City Code Chapter 329 to execute a contract with Reach Communications to develop a protective factor approach to prevent youth violence.
Emergency Action is requested in order to immediately implement and expand existing programming to address neighborhood violence impacting boys and young men of color.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available in the Department of Neighborhoods general operating budget, Fund 1000.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into a contract with Reach Communications in an amount up to $127,000.00 to provide planning, development and implementation of an extensive, city-wide community-mobilization process over a one-year period, with a focus on reducing and disrupting youth violence in Columbus, to waive the competitive bidding requirements of CIty Code; to authorize the expenditure of up to $127,000.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($127,000.00)
....
Click here for full text