Explanation
Background:
This ordinance authorizes the City Attorney to enter into new not for profit services contracts with Columbus Next Generation Corporation (“Next Gen”) and Habitat for Humanity - MidOhio, non-profit organizations, for administration of the Owner-Occupied Initiative (OOI) program.
The prior contracts associated with this program expired without authorized modifications extending the term being fully executed. As a result, new legislation is required to authorize replacement contracts in order to continue program services. As noted in the prior ordinance, 3173-2025, the OOI program provides critical home repair assistance to elderly and/or disabled homeowners to correct code violations and maintain safe housing conditions.
The City Attorney’s Office and the Franklin County Environmental Court have historically partnered with these organizations to deliver services including, but not limited to, roof repair/replacement, gutters, painting, sewer line work, porch and foundation repair, and remediation of exterior code violations. These homeowners often lack the financial means or physical ability to complete necessary repairs.
Next Gen has administered the program since its inception, and Habitat for Humanity - MidOhio joined as a partner in 2025. Both entities have demonstrated the experience and capacity to continue delivering these services. These needed services cannot be provided by existing city employees as the city lacks the necessary resource capacity and expertise.
Next Gen and Habitat for Humanity deliver critical repair services to residents struggling with housing code violations. By streamlining the application process and providing case management support, this partnership effectively removes the administrative hurdles that often prevent vulnerable homeowners from accessing help.
To date, the initiative has supported 85 households, with Next Gen spearheading repairs to 80 homes and Habitat for Humanity recently joining the...
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