Explanation
BACKGROUND: Columbus City Council has supported the 614 Beautiful Program through multiple ordinances, including Ordinances 1214-2022, 1424-2023, 660-2024, 3534-2024, and 955-2026. 614 Beautiful is a program to beautify and unify Columbus communities through place-based, public-facing improvements. The 614 Beautiful Program accomplishes this by funding projects such as pocket parks, landscape enhancements, streetscape and public right-of-way improvements, place making signage, and public art. Ordinance 1424-2023 authorized an extension of the original contract through July 31, 2024, and increased the available funding by $300,000.00 from the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund. Ordinance 660-2024 authorized a contract extension to July 31, 2025. 3534-2024 increased the available funding by $300,000.00 under the contract from the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund and authorized payment for reasonable food and non-alcoholic beverages expenses. Most recently, Ordinance 955-2026 authorized a contract modification to extend the City's contract with Neighborhood Design Center (NDC) until April 30, 2027.
The purpose of this legislation is to modify the contract with NDC to add funding in the amount of $100,000.00 to the existing contract and to extend the term of the contract through December 31, 2027. By extending the contract term and adding funds, Neighborhood Design Center will be able to open a new round of applications and make awards to more artists, thereby expanding program capacity and impact across the City. Food and/or beverage purchases will be subject to what is allowable in the respective grant agreements. Food and beverage costs will not exceed $15 per person and any purchase of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds have been earmarked and are available in the amount of $100,000.00 in the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund, Subfund 100018.
REASON NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS NOT FORESEEN: Earlier phases of 614 Beautiful were consi...
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