Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance enacts new Chapter 236 of the Columbus City Codes, defining the membership, organization, and duties of the new Community Crisis Response Advisory Board, which was established by the Charter amendment recently approved by the voters of Columbus.
To continue its mission to ensure that every resident receives the right response by the right professional for these calls for service, Council in partnership with the Columbus Safety Collective and the Mayor’s administration proposed an amendment to the City Charter that establishes a community crisis response service system for the City. This amendment was voted on by the residents of Columbus in the May 5, 2026 primary as Issue 5. It passed with nearly 77% of the vote. The amendment included the creation of an internal office, division, or department that would coordinate and collaborate around the provision of these services, as well as mandating funding for community crisis response system operations.
The amendment also established an advisory board to oversee and make recommendations in this effort. This ordinance further defines the operations of this board, including its makeup, how it is organized, and more clearly outlines its duties. This includes:
• Instituting a fifteen- (15) member Board, representing the diversity of the City, as well as including representatives from bargaining units and other relevant organizations
• Mandating a process be established by which prospective members apply for and are jointly appointed by the Mayor and City Council
• Setting the first meeting and organization of the Board within 120 days of the effective date of this ordinance
The establishment of this Board into City Code will allow for this body to begin immediately assessing and advising on the implementation of the remainder of the Community Crisis Response Charter Amendment, as well as on our current programming in alternative response.
Title
To enact new Chapter 236 of the Columbus City Codes, defining the membership, organization, and duties of the Community Crisis Response Advisory Board.
Body
WHEREAS, to continue its mission to ensure that every resident receives the right response by the right professional for these calls for service, Council proposed an amendment to the City Charter that establishes a community crisis response service system for the City; and
WHEREAS, this amendment was voted on by the residents of Columbus in the May 5, 2026 primary as Issue 5, and passed with nearly 77% of the vote; and
WHEREAS, the amendment included the creation of an internal office, division, or department that would coordinate and collaborate around the provision of these services, as well as mandating funding for community crisis response system operations; and
WHEREAS, the advisory board will be tasked with making initial recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, and applicable city departments and offices on the implementation of Sections 218-221 of the Columbus City Charter, including the scope and definition of crisis response services; and
WHEREAS, to continue its mission to ensure that every resident receives the right response by the right professional for these calls for service, Council is proposing an amendment to the Columbus City Codes that outlines the parameters of this new Board, including membership, organization, and duties; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of this Board into City Code will allow for this body to begin immediately assessing and advising on the implementation of the remainder of the Community Crisis Response Charter Amendment, as well as on our current programming in alternative response; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That new Chapter 236 of the Columbus City Codes, defining the membership, organization, and duties of the Community Crisis Response Advisory Board, is hereby enacted, reading as follows:
See Attachment, incorporated herein by reference
SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.