Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) to provide upfront financial support for their 9/11 Day of Service. September 11 has long been observed as a day of remembrance. This proposal introduces a complementary, forward-looking approach: transforming the day into a citywide call to service and civic engagement. In partnership with NVMM and 9/11Day.org, the City of Columbus has the opportunity to lead a powerful evolution-one that invites residents not only to honor the past, but to actively give back in meaningful, tangible ways. NVMM will serve as the official host site for Columbus as part of a national network of 50 participating cities observing the National Day of Service on September 11, 2026. This initiative positions Columbus as a leader in demonstrating how communities can unite through action. The strategy centers on:
1. Mobilizing volunteers, families, students, and community organizations;
2. Activating neighborhood-based service projects across Columbus;
3. Creating accessible opportunities for participation at community centers, parks, and local gathering spaces; and
4. Delivering high-impact service outcomes that directly benefit residents in need.
This will not be a single-site event confined to the NVMM campus. Instead, it is designed as a distributed, neighborhood-driven model of engagement, ensuring equitable access and participation across the city. Key components include:
1. Community Activation Hubs: Programming hosted at community centers, parks, and partner sites across neighborhoods to encourage hyper-local participation;
2. Family-Friendly Service Opportunities: Activities designed for all ages, enabling families to participate together in acts of service;
3. Partnerships with Schools & Nonprofits: Engaging youth and local organizations to embed service into existing community networks; and
4. Corporate & Civic Engagement: Inviting businesses and civic groups to contribute volunteers and resources.
This approach ensures that September 11 becomes a visible, citywide movement of service, rather than a single-location event. This initiative will:
1. Mobilize thousands of Columbus residents in service;
2. Strengthen community connections across neighborhoods;
3. Deliver measurable benefits (e.g., meals produced, volunteer hours, community projects completed);
4. Reinforce Columbus’ identity as a leader in civic engagement and unity; and
5. Most importantly, it transforms 9/11 into a day where residents can ask: “What can I do today to serve my community?”
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding in the amount of $90,000.00 is available in the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund, Subfudn 100018.
REASON FOR EMERGENCY: NVMM aims to host the Sept. 11 Day of Service and coordinate with many community partners, requiring a great deal of work and organization. Expediting upfront funding will help position NVMM to prepare for the event in September and make it successful.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with National Veterans Memorial and Museum Operating Corporation to provide upfront financial support for the September 11th Day of Service; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure from the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($90,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, September 11th has long been observed as a day of remembrance; and
WHEREAS, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum seeks to serve as an official host site for Columbus as part of a national network of 50 participating cities observing the National Day of Service on September 11, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of conducting a day of service on September 11th is, in part, to re-center service, solidarity, and community; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the City Clerk's office insofar as the requester has asked that they be allowed to begin organizing this extensive and ambitious event well in advance of September 11th to ensure that programming and volunteer obligations are met seamlessly; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to enter a grant agreement with National Veterans Memorial and Museum Operating Corporation to provide upfront financial support for their September 11th Day of Service programming.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $72,500.00 from the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund, Subfund 100018, per the accounting codes attached to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That per the action authorized in SECTION 1 of this ordinance, the expenditure of $90,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized per the accounting codes attached to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the 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 the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes as necessary to revise the funding source for all grant agreements or modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereunto, 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.