Explanation
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology (DoT) to enter into a non-profit services contract in an amount up to $610,000.00 with Smart Columbus LLC. Smart Columbus LLC is the non-profit organization created to continue the efforts of the Smart Columbus US Department of Transportation Grant.
This contract is in addition to, and provides additional funds, to continue work authorized by ordinances 3301-2021, 0670-2022 and 2657-2022. The first two ordinances authorized contracts between the Development Director and Smart Columbus. The third contract authorized a contract between the Director of the Department of Technology and Smart Columbus.
The Department of Technology, in alignment with the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition, are partnering with Smart Columbus to establish a program management office to advance the digital equity action agenda with a diverse set of stakeholders and partners. Funds authorized by this legislation will be used to:
· facilitate and administer the Digital Equity Coalition; and
· build the digital equity team dedicated to this work; and
· execute pilot programs in alignment with the Digital Equity Action Agenda; and
· build momentum around the coalition, awareness among community organizations and residents; and
· implement brand strategy.
Specific activities to be undertaken to achieve the above noted goals are:
· Community Management and Coalition Building, to include-
o General coordination meetings, regular touch bases with individual organizations, and in person “convenings” that activate Digital Equity Coalition members in alignment with the Action Agenda.
o Expansion of coalition membership and community awareness of the digital divide.
o Implementation of resident facing campaigns and messaging that is shared and utilized across community organizations and institutions.
o Presentations for community groups to build support for the action agenda and produce deliverables that answer ...
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