Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the City Auditor to make payment to Legacy Youth Sports Academy for expenses paid and to declare an emergency. These expenses were paid from November 2025 through December 2025 for the Exposure is Key Initiative. Legacy Youth Sports Academy is the implementing partner for the Exposure is Key Initiative, a targeted program designed to serve undeserved youth from the Columbus community. Through this initiative, approximately 100 youth ages 8-13 participated in a structured, week-long educational travel experience to Naples, Florida (December 6-14, 2025). The program is intentionally designed to provide participants-many of whom have had limited or no prior travel opportunities-with exposure to new environments, cultures, and learning experiences outside of their immediate surroundings. Legacy Youth Sports Academy delivers a comprehensive youth development program that integrates mentorship, social-emotional learning, leadership development, and cultural education. This investment supports a population of young residents who benefit significantly from expanded exposure and structured enrichment opportunities. By connecting youth to experiences beyond Columbus, the program fosters personal growth, civic awareness, and long-term community engagement-outcomes that align with the City’s broader goals of equity, youth development, and neighborhood advancement. The Then and Now certificate is required pursuant to the City Auditor due to the funds being expended prior to the encumbrance of funds via purchase order
The grantee expended funds before a grant agreement had been finalized due to a miscommunication, thereby necessitating this legislation.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding in the amount of $5,000.00 is available from an established General Budget Reservation within the Department of Neighborhoods as noted in the attached “Then and Now Certificate” as approved by the City Auditor.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency action is...
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