Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $500,000.00 for the purpose of administering the Business District Safety Enhancement Program. Through this program, the Department of Public Safety will work in conjunction with the Division of Police and the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District to develop plans to appropriately deter crime and improve safety in Columbus’ business districts.
In 2022 and 2023, the City of Columbus funded the Business District Safety Enhancement Program which resulted in a significant reduction of crime. There is a need for a continuation of this funding from the City of Columbus to supplement safety enhancements in the downtown area. The Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District of Columbus, Inc. will utilize this funding in support of their violent crime interdiction programs, which utilize law enforcement personnel serving in a special duty capacity, educational campaigns, and community outreach workers in an effort to prevent and address violent crime.
This neighborhood safety program is part of a much larger community investment strategy employed by the City to provide safe and resilient communities. The City of Columbus has utilized a community-wide approach under a number of assistance programs including summer youth safety programming, as well as numerous Neighborhood Safety Grants.
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested so that necessary funds can be provided to the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District of Columbus, Inc. to allow them to adequately plan in advance of the upcoming summer event season.
Fiscal Impact: $500,000.00 is budgeted and available within the Public Safety Initiatives subfund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into a grant agreement with the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District of Columbus, Inc. in support of the Business District Safety Enhancements Program; to authorize the app...
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