Explanation
Background:
Columbus City Council amended the 2006 budget to include funds in a Jobs Growth Fund, first created in 2005, to target specific collaborative initiatives designed to help retain and grow Columbus jobs. One partner in this important effort is TechColumbus, itself a partnership working to provide the catalyst for technology-based economic development in the next decade in Central Ohio. TechColumbus was formed through the merger of the Columbus Technology Council, recognized as the leading membership organization for tech based businesses in central Ohio, and the Business Technology Center, regarded as one of the country's best technology business incubators. The Ohio State University's Science and Technology Campus Corporation (Scitech) is a closely linked partner.
The key objectives of the organization are as follows:
• Facilitate networking and education of technology business leaders
• Promote awareness of existing technology businesses
• Facilitate formation, nurturing and financing of high tech startups
• Assist in developing a larger, more technically competent Work Force
• Increase the awareness of community leaders and the general public of the value and need for a stronger technology infrastructure
City Council has consistently supported such efforts, and in concert with its work to foster a 315 Research and Technology Corridor, a vision shared among government, academic and business interests in Central Ohio to enhance the collection of remarkable assets within the heart of Columbus stretching along Route 315 from Riverside Hospital to the north and to COSI to the south, it is particularly appropriate that Council provide financial support in 2006. Council member Mary Jo Hudson sponsors this legislation.
TechColumbus is a non-profit organization.
Title
To appropriate and authorize the expenditure of $130,000 in the Jobs Growth Initiative Fund, to authorize the direct the Director of the Development Department to contract with TechColumbus for economic development services; and to declare an emergency. ($130,000)
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council amended the 2006 budget to include funds in a Jobs Growth Fund, first created in 2005, to target specific collaborative initiatives designed to help retain and grow Columbus jobs; and
WHEREAS, One partner in this important effort is TechColumbus, itself a partnership working to provide the catalyst for technology-based economic development in the next decade in Central Ohio.; and
WHEREAS, City Council has consistently supported such efforts, and in concert with its effort to foster a 315 Research and Technology Corridor, a vision shared among government, academic and business interests in Central Ohio to enhance the collection of remarkable assets within the heart of Columbus stretching along Route 315 from Riverside Hospital to the north and to COSI to the south, it is particularly appropriate that Council provide financial support in 2006 for the Jobs Growth Initiative Fund to support TechColumbus endeavors; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to appropriate funds, and authorize their expenditure for TechColumbus endeavors, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the City Auditor be and is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate and expend $130,000 in the Jobs Growth Fund, Fund 015 to the Department of Development, Division of Economic Development, Division No. 44-02, Object Level One 03, OL3 3337, OCA Code 440215.
Section 2. That the Director of the Department of Development is hereby authorized and directed to contract with TechColumbus for economic development services, and to expend said funds.
Section 3. 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 passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.