Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to execute a grant agreement with Riverview International Center, Inc. for Housing Support for New Americans. The amount of the agreement is $40,000.00, to be allocated toward case management and general operating support. The term of the Grant Agreement shall be a 24-month period beginning June 1, 2024, and ending June 1, 2026.
Columbus, celebrated as America's Opportunity City, remains dedicated to fostering equitable opportunities for all its residents. However, recent events have highlighted the urgent need for supportive measures for vulnerable communities. The acquisition of nine apartment buildings on Riverview Drive by Peak Property Group has led to the displacement of 88 families, many of whom are immigrants from North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Initial notices provided only 30 days for tenants to vacate, which is insufficient given the tight housing market in Columbus. After advocacy by the Riverview International Center, Peak Property Group has agreed to extend the notice period to 60 days, provide multilingual notices, and offer specific relocation options to affected residents. Riverview International has also been displaced by this event, as they were previously strategically embedded in the apartment complex to provide support to this vulnerable population.
Organizations like Riverview International are central to Columbus' strategy to support its diverse communities, and it is necessary for the City to provide crucial funding to support their mission. This initiative addresses the critical need for case management to support displaced residents and families, as well as general operating support to support the increased costs Riverview has incurred due to this process.
Funds will be advanced according to a predetermined schedule to ensure that organizations without the necessary upfront funding can proceed with their programs. The initial advance will be made upon confirmation of the Purchase Order. Subsequent advances will require the agency to submit detailed reports and documentation demonstrating the utilization of funds to meet the grant agreement's service scope.
FISCAL IMPACT: $40,000.00 is budgeted in the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund.
EMERGENCY JUSTIFICATION: Emergency Legislation is requested to allow for the immediate case management assistance to support displaced residents.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Riverview International Center Inc. in an amount up to $40,000.00 for case management and operational support; to authorize the appropriation and expenditure of $40,000.00 from the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; to authorize the advancement of funds on a predetermined schedule; to allow for the payment of expenses beginning June 1, 2024; and to declare an emergency. ($40,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus, celebrated as America's Opportunity City, remains dedicated to fostering equitable opportunities for all its residents. However, recent events have highlighted the urgent need for supportive measures for vulnerable communities. The acquisition of nine apartment buildings on Riverview Drive by Peak Property Group has led to the displacement of 88 families, many of whom are immigrants from North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia; and
WHEREAS, Initial notices provided only 30 days for tenants to vacate, which is insufficient given the tight housing market in Columbus. After advocacy by the Riverview International Center, Peak Property Group has agreed to extend the notice period to 60 days, provide multilingual notices, and offer specific relocation options to affected residents. Riverview International has also been displaced by this event, as they were previously strategically embedded in the apartment complex to provide support to this vulnerable population; and
WHEREAS, Organizations like Riverview International are central to Columbus' strategy to support its diverse communities, and it is necessary for the City to provide crucial funding to support their mission. This initiative addresses the critical need for case management to support displaced residents and families, as well as general operating support to support the increased costs Riverview has incurred due to this process; and
WHEREAS, Funds will be advanced according to a predetermined schedule to ensure that organizations without the necessary upfront funding can proceed with their programs. The initial advance will be made upon confirmation of the Purchase Order. Subsequent advances will require the agency to submit detailed reports and documentation demonstrating the utilization of funds to meet the grant agreement's service scope; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development, Land Redevelopment Office in that it is immediately necessary to enter into a grant agreement with Riverview International Center Inc. to allow for immediate case management and operational support for displaced residents, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, 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 Development is hereby authorized to enter into a grant agreement with Riverview International Center Inc. for the purpose of supporting case management and operational support for displaced residents; and to allow for the advancement of funds on a predetermined schedule; and to allow for the payment of expenses beginning June 1, 2024.
SECTION 2. That the Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $40,000.00 to the Department of Development within fund 1000 (General Fund), subfund 100018 (Neighborhood Initiative), Dept. 44-01 (Administration), in Object Class 05 (Other Expenditures) per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $40,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 1000 (General Fund), Dept. 44-01 (Administration), in Object Class 05 (Other Expenditures) per the accounting codes in the attached to this ordinance.
SECTION 5. That this grant agreement is awarded in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code related to awarding grant agreements.
SECTION 6. 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 7. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 8. 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 which 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 it.