Explanation
Background:
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into a grant agreement with City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation in support of the Eastland economic development corporation, Eastland Development for Growth and Equity Incorporation (EDGE, Inc.). The establishment of this organization is in alignment with the Eastland for Everyone Plan through its mission to promote vital economic development and community investment in the Eastland area for residents and business owners.
Eastland Development for Growth and Equity Incorporation is a new not-for-profit Economic Development Community Development Corporation with a mission to support and expand economic opportunities for Eastland residents and business owners.
Funding from the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods will be used to support the administrative costs for the startup of Eastland Development for Growth and Equity Incorporation, in addition to the personnel costs associated with the hiring of an Executive Director and support staff.
Grant funding may include the purchase of food and/or non-alcoholic beverage items, which serve the public for the purpose of administering the grant. Food and/or non-alcoholic beverage purchases will be subject to what is allowable in the grant agreement. Any cost of food and/or non-alcoholic beverage incurred before the effective date of the ordinance will not be reimbursed. Costs will not exceed $15 per person and any purchase of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
This support is in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code 329 that relate to not-for-profit service contracts. The services included in this agreement cannot be provided by existing city employees because these services are beyond the City’s current responsibility and capacity to provide.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of up to $150,000.00 from the General Fund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into a grant agreement with City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation in support of Eastland Development for Growth and Equity Incorporation (EDGE, Inc.) in support of the Eastland for Everyone Plan implementation; and to authorize the expenditure from the General Fund; and to authorize the payment of food and non-alcoholic beverage; and to allow advance funding per a predetermined schedule. ($150,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the creation of the Eastland Development for Growth and Equity Incorporation is aligned with the goals of the Eastland for Everyone Plan; and
WHEREAS, Eastland Development for Growth and Equity Incorporation will seek to support economic development and community investment for residents and business owners in Eastland; and
WHEREAS, this funding will allow Eastland Development for Growth and Equity Incorporation to advance work that will support retail and small business development, support pathways to opportunity and prosperity, and beautify and enhance the physical appearance of the Eastland area; and
WHEREAS, food and/or beverage purchases will be subject to what is allowable in the respective grant agreement. Costs will not exceed $15 per person and any purchase of alcohol is strictly prohibited. Any cost of food and non-alcoholic beverage incurred before the effective date of the ordinance will not be reimbursed; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Neighborhoods to authorize the Director to enter into a grant agreement with City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods is hereby authorized to enter into a grant agreement with City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation starting January 1, 2026, and is authorized to advance funds per a schedule to be included in the agreement.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of up to $150,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized within the Department of Neighborhoods General Fund 1000, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That this contract is awarded in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code Chapter 329 relating to nonprofit service contracts.
SECTION 4. That Columbus City Council deems the expenditure of food and non-alcoholic beverages to be a proper public purpose. Any cost of food and non-alcoholic beverage incurred before the effective date of the ordinance will not be reimbursed. Food and beverage related expenditures will be subject to what is allowable in the grant agreement and shall not exceed $15 per person.
SECTION 5. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 6. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.