Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the Director of Development to enter into contract with Finance Fund to provide administrative services to support implementation of a new small business loan fund initiative by Columbus City Council. The services to be provided by Finance Fund shall include program design, marketing, program infrastructure, intake process, credit underwriting, closing, compliance, reporting, accounting, fiscal support, maintenance and servicing.
Finance Fund, established in 1987, connects Ohio underserved communities with public and private sources of capital. It simplifies the complexities of the funding process and manages the flow of millions of public and private dollars to help good ideas come to life. These are ideas that change systems, create jobs, address community needs and improve the quality of life. Finance Fund funding programs include predevelopment and economic development grants, urban and rural lending and gap financing to support a wide range of projects such as small business, health care facilities and equipment, affordable housing construction or rehabilitation and community facilities. To date, Finance Fund and its affiliates have invested more than $258,800,000 in housing, economic development, and community facility projects leveraging over $1 billion. The investment was accomplished through 2,847 awards to community-based organizations throughout the state. Finance Fund provides debt and equity to clients through the management of 19 entities totaling $200 million. Partnerships have enabled low-income people access to 15,514 units of affordable housing, 18,417 direct jobs, and 3,036 early care and education spaces (classrooms) for 69,497 children benefiting the lives of over 127,000 Ohioans.
Emergency action is requested to allow Finance Fund to begin providing program services without delay.
Fiscal Impact: This legislation authorizes the expenditure of $1,000,000 from the Community Development...
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