Explanation
This ordinance authorizes an appropriation in support of programming responsive to extreme heat and cooling events, as well as authorizing agreements with specific agencies providing services.
As temperatures rise during the summer, there is a need for the city to support the availability of cooling centers where residents can take refuge. This is especially important for seniors, young children, low-income residents, and others who are especially vulnerable to the potential harmful impacts of extreme heat. Likewise, during the winter months, inclement weather and extreme cold poses the same risks and thus the same need to support the provision of warming centers.
Council has established funding in the 2025 operating budget to offer ongoing support for community organizations that can act as partners by opening their doors to the public and those in need of refuge. COSI, for example, is providing 1,000 vouchers for distribution to children and families to visit the museum during heat advisory events.
This funding establishes a limited pot of money that can be used for grant making purposes (up to $5,000) to organizations that serve as cooling or heating centers in 2025 (and during the winter months of early 2026). It also authorizes the distribution of food and beverage for any partners that utilize these funds by offering their space to residents during weather events.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund.
Emergency action is requested in order to ensure that funds are available for distribution during the remaining summer months.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to enter into grant agreements with various community organizations in support of extreme weather programming; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; to authorize the reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to the issuance of a purchase order from and including June 1, 2025; and to declare...
Click here for full text