Explanation
Background:
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into a grant agreement with Eastland Development for Growth and Equity Incorporation (E.D.G.E., Inc.). E.D.G.E, Inc. is a non-profit community economic development corporation. E.D.G.E., Inc.'s vision is for Eastland to become a thriving, connected, and prosperous destination where families, entrepreneurs, and community institutions can succeed together.
E.D.G.E., Inc. is leading a community-driven effort to revitalize Eastland, a six-square-mile district in southeast Columbus, Ohio, through equitable economic development, business growth, neighborhood stabilization, and resident empowerment. Guided by the community's comprehensive 16-month Eastland for Everyone planning process, E.D.G.E., Inc. serves as the implementation organization responsible for translating the community's economic development vision into measurable action and long-term impact.
Funding from the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods will be used to support the administrative costs for the E.D.G.E., Inc., in addition to the personnel costs associated with employing 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.
Contract Compliance:
Fiscal Impact: The 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 Eastland Development for Growth and Equity Incorporation (EDGE, Inc.) in support of the Eastland for Everyone Plan implementation; to authorize an expenditure from the General Fund; 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 support for 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 strengthen the local business ecosystem by supporting existing businesses, attracting new investment, expanding entrepreneurship opportunities, and providing direct assistance through business outreach, networking, technical support, and microgrant programs; and
WHEREAS, food and/or beverage purchases are subject to what is allowable in the respective grant agreements. 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 Eastland Development for Growth and Equity Incorporation 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 Eastland Development for Growth and Equity Incorporation starting January 1, 2027, and is authorized to advance funds per the schedule to be included in the agreement.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of up to $150,000.00, or so much therefore 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 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.