Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the City Clerk to enter into grant agreements with US Together and Community Refugee and Immigration Services in support of capacity building for resettling immigrants and refugees.
For over a century, the City of Columbus has been a city that has welcomed immigrants and refugees. Those who have had to flee poverty, war, corruption, or oppression have found in Columbus a new home, one where they can find safety, security, and socioeconomic prosperity. This is due, in large part, to the compassion, dedication, and hard work of the city’s resettlement agencies. These organizations work in coordination with the U.S. Department of State and other local partners to ensure that refugees and immigrants have the support and the resources necessary to find sanctuary in their new home.
As geopolitical dynamics shift, and as we experience new conflicts around the world, we will likewise to continue to see growth in those communities that are seeking refuge. It is the intention of Columbus City Council to provide our resettlement agencies with additional resources that can be utilized for capacity building, so that we are prepared to accommodate new residents within our city.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund.
Emergency action is requested in order to avoid any delay in providing the resources necessary to develop additional capacity within our resettlement infrastructure.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to enter into grant agreements with US Together and Community Refugee and Immigration Services in support of capacity building for resettling immigrants and refugees; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($100,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, for over a century, the City of Columbus has been a city that has welcomed immigrants and refugees; and
WHEREAS, the success and stability of our immigrant and refugee co...
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