Explanation
Background
This ordinance authorizes a grant in the amount of $113,547.00 between the City of Columbus’ Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) and Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio, a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit to support the construction of the second of two currently planned new homes in Columbus beginning the soonest date a purchase order can be confirmed through June 30, 2027.
Habitat for Humanity - MidOhio’s mission is seeking to put God’s love into action to bring people together to inspire hope, build homes, empower families, and develop communities. According to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition's (NLIHC) 2023 annual report, the available and affordable housing stock continues to shrink. There's a 6% increase in the shortage of affordable and available housing since 2022. The report reveals a ratio of only 26 affordable units available for every 100 extremely low-income households. To close this gap, more than 52,000 affordable units need to be built in Columbus.
Ordinance 1067-2025 authorized construction trades students from Fort Hayes Education Center to work alongside Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio construction staff leads to construct the first of two new homes in Columbus in partnership with local Habitat partner families in the 2025-26 school year. The Fort Hayes Education Center offers half-day career-technical education courses in health, construction, media arts, performing arts, visual arts, and transportation-related programs. All classes are available on campus to prepare students for jobs in their community and beyond.
This home, like the first, will be built on a city-owned lot located a walkable distance from the school, allowing for easy access for the students and eliminating a historically challenging barrier to workforce development programming - transportation. The construction schedule will overlay the students' school year and is expected to take around seven months. Students in specialties like masonry, carpentry, or welding will have the opportunity to practice those skills on the construction site.
The past partnership between Habitat-MidOhio and Fort Hayes has been reengaged through these home builds with a strategic focus on providing hands-on construction experience in coordination with the students' curriculum. By partnering with Habitat, the students will also learn about the affordable housing crisis facing our community and have the opportunity to be part of the solution. By building this and other homes, Habitat-MidOhio strives to be a leader in connecting people to opportunity and hope by obtaining and maintaining homeownership.
Emergency: Emergency action is requested to expedite the authorization of this grant agreement so that Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio can promptly continue its partnership with the Fort Hayes Education Center in conjunction with the start of the students’ school year in late August.
Contract Compliance
Grant Recipient: Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio, Not for Profit Vendor #004859
Certification #: CC-004859 Exp. 1/27/2027
The company is not disbarred according to the excluded party listing system of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State unresolved finding for recovery certified search.
Ohio Secretary of State Entity Number: 692058
Fiscal Impact: Funding in the amount of $113,547.00 is available within the 2026 Development Services Fund 2240 budget for transfer to the Special Purpose Fund, Fund 2223, Construction Trades Education Subfund 222351.
Title
To authorize the transfer of $113,547.00 from the Development Services Fund to the Special Purpose Fund; to authorize appropriation in the Special Purpose Fund; to authorize the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services to enter into a not-for-profit grant agreement with Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio to support the construction of the second of two new homes; to authorize an expenditure of $113,547.00 from the Special Purpose Fund, Construction Trades Education Subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($113,547.00)
Body
WHEREAS, there is a need for available and affordable housing stock in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio, a Not-for-Profit organization, strives to be a leader in connecting people to opportunity and hope through obtaining and maintaining affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, BZS desires to support the construction of affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, this project will complement the educational experiences of students enrolled at the Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center through practical, hands-on learning with trades professionals as they assist with the construction of these homes; and
WHEREAS, this grant enhances BZS’ ability to reach young people in Columbus and provides them with the opportunity to be trained in the trades; and
WHEREAS, there is a desire to transfer $113,547.00 from the funding budgeted and available in the Development Services Fund to the Special Purpose Fund; and
WHEREAS, BZS agrees to reimburse Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio for an agreed-upon portion of the project budget, not to exceed $113,547.00; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the daily operation of the Department of Building and Zoning Services in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of BZS to enter into a non-profit grant agreement with Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio to continue its partnership with the Fort Hayes Education Center in conjunction with the start of the students’ school year in late August, thereby preserving the public health, safety, and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer $113,547.00 from the Development Services Fund to the City's Special Purpose Fund, Fund 2223, Construction Trades Education Program Subfund, Subfund No. 222351, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. That an amount up to, but not to exceed, the cash in the fund not encumbered for any other purpose is hereby appropriated within the City's Special Purpose Fund, Fund 2223, Construction Trades Education Subfund, Subfund No. 222351, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the Director of Building and Zoning Services is authorized to enter into a grant agreement with Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio beginning the soonest date a purchase order can be confirmed through June 30, 2027 to provide support for the construction of affordable housing and hands-on educational experiences to local students.
SECTION 4. That the expenditure of $113,547.00 is hereby authorized from the Special Purpose Fund, Fund 2223, Construction Trades Education Program Subfund, Subfund No. 222351, Object Class 05 - Other Expenditures, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
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 the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 7. That this grant agreement is entered into under the provisions of Section 111.14 of the City's Charter.
SECTION 8. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.