Explanation
BACKGROUND: In order to better align the structure of the Department of Development with Mayor Ginther’s Columbus Housing Strategy and improve program delivery, the work of the Division of Housing is being renamed the Division of Housing Opportunity. The work of the Division of Housing Opportunity will pursue innovative strategies and investments that expand the housing options for Columbus residents in economically diverse neighborhoods and in a manner that prioritizes access to community services and supports. The Division of Housing Opportunity will complement the recently created Division of Housing Stability in ensuring that all Columbus residents have access to stable housing in areas of the city that provide economic and social opportunity.
FISCAL IMPACT: This legislation does not have a fiscal impact.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency action is requested to rename the Division of Housing to the Division of Housing Opportunity, enabling the Department of Development to avoid any disruption in executing contracts with community partners caused by a discrepancy in contract language.
Title
To amend Section 215.04 of the Columbus City Codes to reflect the updated Division of Housing Opportunity within the Department of Development; to repeal existing Section 215.04 of the Columbus City Codes; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, to better align the structure of the Department of Development with Mayor Ginther’s Columbus Housing Strategy and improve program delivery the Division of Housing of the Department of Development will be renamed to the Division of Housing Opportunity; and
WHEREAS, to expand the mandate of the Division to pursue innovative strategies and investments that expand the housing options for Columbus residents in economically diverse neighborhoods and in a matter that prioritizes access to community services and supports; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to pass this ordinance due to the need to avoid disruption in the execution of contracts and provision of services, enabling the Department of Development to best align the mission of the Department of Development and the Mayor’s priorities, for the immediate preservation of the public peace, property, health, and safety; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That Section 215.04 of the Columbus City Codes be and is hereby amended to read as follows with additions in underline and deletions in strikethrough:
215.04 - Division of housing opportunity.
The division of housing opportunity is established as a division of the department of development. The division shall have as its primary duties the enhancement of neighborhoods through the creation of housing opportunities, through innovative strategies and investments that expand the housing options for Columbus residents in economically diverse neighborhoods and in a manner that prioritizes access to community services and supports, through finance, lead abatement, relocation, rehabilitation and community assistance programs and other duties as may be authorized by the director or ordinance of council.
SECTION 2. That existing Section 215.04 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. 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 in force from and after passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten (10) days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.