Explanation
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services to enter into contract with OpportunitySpace, Inc. for the Tolemi BuildingBlocks software platform. Last year, City Council passed several housing initiatives including Vacant Registry, Foreclosure Registry and Wholesaler Registry. This software tool is necessary for the Department to effectively manage these registries and monitor the properties. Using up-to-date data such as utility usage, USPS mail delivery, and code violations, the software platform will proactively identify vacant properties before they become blighted. Furthermore, the software will monitor pre-foreclosure and foreclosure filings to give a complete view of properties in financial distress.
The Tolemi BuildingBlocks software tool differs from other property registry software by offering a map-based analytics approach that integrates data from various sources to provide comprehensive insights into property conditions. Specifically, it will provide automated integration of these data sources at regular intervals to ensure the information contained within the application is up-to-date, process automation based on internal city and county data, with the capability to run advanced spatial queries outside of GIS software, and give user-generated reports and performance metrics across all data sources contained in the application.
This will allow the City to proactively manage distressed properties (i.e., vacant or foreclosed) and to assess vacancy risks and nuisances more effectively. The Tolemi BuildingBlocks software platform, when combined with the Slate application, is a proprietary product, developed and sold exclusively by OpportunitySpace, Inc., therefore, this contract will be entered into under the sole source provisions of Chapter 329 of Columbus City Codes. This is a three year contract subject to annual approval and authorization by City Council and other City officials
The Departm...
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