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 establishment of this organization is in alignment with the One Linden Plan through its mission support economic development and community investment in Linden for residents and business owners.
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. The focus of the CDC aligns with 5 of the 10 Big Ideas outlined in the One Linden Plan. The five aligned ideas include the following:
1. Support Entrepreneurs and Develop Business
2. Reimagine Cleveland Avenue
3. Connect Residents to Employment
4. Build Community Investment
5. Support Student Success
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 hiring of an Executive Director and support staff.
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: 031181 Greater Linden Development Network and is valid 5/16/25
Fiscal Impact: Funding: Funding is available within the Department of Neighborhoods General Fund
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested in order to avoid a delay in providing the necessary funding resources for the establishment of Linden Economic Development Alliance.
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 to authorize the expenditures of $253,900.00 from the Department of Neighborhoods General Fund 1000; to advance funding per a predetermined schedule; to authorize the payment of expenses starting October 1, 2024; and to declare an emergency. ($253,900.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the creation 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, build community investment, and support student success in Linden; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists such that it is immediately necessary to authorize a grant agreement with Greater Linden Business Network to avoid any delay in providing the necessary funding resources for the establishment and development of Linden Economic Development Alliance; 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 effective October 1, 2024 and is authorized to advance funds per a schedule to be included in the agreement.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $253,900.00, 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 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 for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared an emergency measure and shall take effect and be enforced from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.