Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Stonewall Columbus in support of the 2017 Columbus Pride Festival. This legislation will assist Stonewall Columbus in their effort to procure and install “Pride” banners along streets in the central downtown business district in 2017.
More than 117,000 commuters drive through downtown Columbus every day and more than 44.3 million visitors come to Columbus on an annual basis. The “Downtown Banner Program” allows local organizations to promote annual events via banners hung throughout the city which bring attention to these organizations in a highly visible manner.
Stonewall Columbus has a long-term goal to expand the program throughout downtown, to raise sufficient resources to replace older, distressed flags, and sustain the program from year to year. The investment proposed by City Council would provide significant support toward the 2017 funding goal, and allow Stonewall to leverage private resources to achieve the short- and long-term goal of installing Pride banners throughout the downtown.
This particular banner program is unique in that it does not promote a single one-time event, or even an individual neighborhood, but a commitment to diversity and promoting Columbus as an open and welcoming community where LGBTQ residents are a vital component in making our city dynamic, productive, and authentic.
Funding for this request is sought now to coincide with the culmination of the 2017 Pride Festival and Parade June 16-18, 2017. Organizers expect 300,000 to 400,000 people will be in Columbus for the weekend festivities. It is the second largest in the Midwest (after Chicago) and one of the top five in the country, generating millions in direct and indirect spending. Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission use the increased awareness of the city that results from the Pride celebration and the city’s growing gay-friend...
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