Explanation
Background:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into an advance payment grant agreement with Stonewall Columbus for $10,000.00 in support of the 2026 Columbus Pride Festival and Parade.
Stonewall Columbus is a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community by enabling meaningful public engagement through the Stonewall Columbus Pride March, Pride Festival, and year-round community programming. As the first and only LGBTQ+ community center, Stonewall has led and/or partnered in advancements in LGBT rights, health, legal aid and legislative progress throughout the city, county and state.
This grant to Stonewall Columbus serves a public purpose by advancing the City of Columbus’ commitment to being a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community for all residents, workers, and visitors, including LGBTQ+ people. The sponsorship will provide the city with opportunities to participate in the Pride March, engage residents and visitors through vendor booths at the Pride Festival, connect with community leaders and partners at the Pride Brunch, and demonstrate public support for LGBTQ+ inclusion through recognition in Pride-specific and year-round promotional materials. These activities further the public interest by promoting civic engagement, strengthening community relationships, supporting equitable access to public information and services, and affirming Columbus as a city where all people are valued, respected, and welcome.
Fiscal Impact: The funding of $10,000.00 will be transferred within the General Fund.
Emergency Designation: Emergency action is requested to ensure funds are available and prevent delays in supporting the 2026 Pride Festival.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into an advance payment in full grant agreement with Stonewall Columbus in support of the 2026 Pride Festival and Parade, to authorize the transfer of $10,000.00 within the general fund; to authorize an advance payment in full; to authorize the expenditure of $10,000.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($10,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Pride Month takes place in June and is held to recognize the LBGTQ+ Community’s history, culture, contributions, and continued struggle for equality and justice; and
WHEREAS, Stonewall Columbus has continued to support and empower LGBTQ+ individuals while also producing one the largest Pride Festivals in the country - welcoming over 750,000 people to the Columbus region each June; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Columbus Pride Festival and Parade will be held June 19-20, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of all residents regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, and affirms that freedom, equality, and justice are fundamental to the health and vitality of our diverse community; and
WHEREAS, the grant agreement will provide advance payment in full; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the City in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into an advance payment in full grant agreement with Stonewall Columbus to provide the necessary resources for the 2026 Pride Festival, all for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, property, and safety; 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 an advance payment in full grant agreement with Stonewall Columbus.
SECTION 2. That the transfer of $10,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized within Fund 1000 (General Fund) from Dept-Div 40-01 (Mayor’s Office), Object Class 05 (Other) to Dept-Div 48-01 (Neighborhoods), Object Class 05 (Other) per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $10,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed in regard to the action authorized in Section 1, is hereby authorized in Fund 1000 (General Fund), Dept. 48-01 (Neighborhoods), in Object Class 05 (Other) per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the monies in the foregoing Sections shall be paid upon order of the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods, and that no order shall be drawn or money paid except by voucher, the form of which shall be approved by the City Auditor.
SECTION 5. That the funds are hereby deemed appropriated and transfers authorized 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 for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby 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.