City of Columbus - File #: 1899-2026

• File #: 1899-2026
• Version: 1
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Second Reading
• File created: 6/11/2026
• In control: Housing, Homelessness, & Building Committee
• On agenda: 6/29/2026
• Title: To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a planned modification of a grant agreement with The Tony R. Wells Foundation, increase funding in an amount up to $2,835,000.00 and to continue to act as fiscal manager for the RHI program in providing financial assistance to eligible residents facing eviction, homelessness, and helping them find new housing; to authorize the expenditure in an amount up to $2,835,000.00; to authorize the modification of the scope of service in an amount up to $10,000.00 to allow fuel-only cards to be issued to participants; to authorize the appropriation and expenditure in an amount up to $10,000.00 within the Neighborhood Economic Development Fund; to authorize the advancement of funding on a predetermined schedule; and declare an emergency. ($2,845,000.00)

Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to modify a grant agreement with The Tony R. Wells Foundation to modify the scope of service to allow for the purchase of fuel-only cards for participants in an amount up to $10,000.00 and increase funding for all other aspects of the agreement in an amount up to $2,835,000.00. This part of a planned modification, as it was anticipated that additional funding would be needed to continue providing emergency assistance to prevent eviction, homelessness, and help at-risk residents find new housing without interruption and authorize the advancement of funds.

Original Agreement $2,761,076.15 PO534332 Ordinance 2012-2025 Amended 2449-2025
Modification No. 1 $ 00.00 Ordinance 0819-2026
Modification No. 1 $ 2,845,000.00
Total $5,606,076.15

In accordance with C.C. 329.09(a):
1. The increase in funding is needed to provide uninterrupted emergency assistance to prevent eviction, homelessness, and help at-risk residents find new housing.
2. The additional funding is needed to provide services within the contract period the spenddown of funds is needed and will be utilized as this is still an ongoing crisis for our residents. This program is ongoing and is a priority of the Mayor as well as Council in the assistance of at risk residents facing eviction, homelessness, and helping our residents find new housing.
3. It is in the City’s best interest to continue with The Tony R. Wells Foundation as the public need continues and this time extension will allow the City to help those in need without interruption, which cannot be completed by existing City employees.

It is the priority of the City to increase housing stability by assisting residents by helping them stay housed and prevent displacement. Housing Stability is vital to everyone’s lives, it contributes to social connection, health, and prosperity. The lack of housing stability contributes to disconn...