Explanation
Background:
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into a grant agreement with the Greater Linden Business Network in support of the Linden Economic Development Alliance (LEDA). The mission of the organization to support economic development and community investment in Linden for residents and business owners is in alignment with the One Linden Plan.
Linden Economic Development Alliance is a new non-profit Economic Community Development Corporation with a mission to support and expand economic opportunities for Linden 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 Linden Economic Development Alliance, in addition to the personnel costs associated with the management of the organization.
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.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of up to $194,000.00 from the General Fund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into a grant agreement with Greater Linden Business Network in support of Linden Economic Development Alliance for the implementation of the One Linden Plan; and to authorize the expenditures from the Department of Neighborhoods General Fund; and to authorize the payment of food and non-alcoholic beverage; and to allow advance funding per a predetermined schedule. ($194,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the mission of the Linden Economic Development Alliance is aligned with the goals of the One Linden Plan; and
WHEREAS, Linden Economic Development Alliance will seek to support economic development and community investment for residents and business owners in Linden; and
WHEREAS, this funding will allow Linden Economic Development Alliance to advance work that will support entrepreneurs and develop businesses, reimagine Cleveland Avenue, connect residents to employment, and build community investment in Linden; and
WHEREAS, food and/or beverage purchases 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 Greater Linden Development Network; 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 Greater Linden Business Network in support of Linden Economic Development Alliance 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 $194,000.00, 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 Columbus City Council deems the expenditure of food and non-alcoholic beverage 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 4. 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 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.