Explanation
This legislation will assist Stonewall Columbus in their effort to install 150 “Pride” banners along streets in the central downtown business district in 2015.
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.
In the late 90’s, Stonewall Columbus participated in this program, with fifteen bold, bright banners lining the streets of Columbus, promoting and celebrating Columbus’ annual Pride Festival and Parade during the month of June. In 2011, Stonewall Columbus raised private donations to cover the costs for creating and hanging fifteen new banners, allowing thirty total Pride banners to be purchased and installed along High Street in the downtown area. In 2012, this number was doubled, and in 2013 increased again to 100 banners. In 2014 a record 125 banners were installed.
Stonewall Columbus has a goal to install 150 banners in 2015, and a long-term goal to expand the program throughout the downtown, and to raise sufficient sources to replace older, distressed flags and sustain the program from year to year. The fundraising goal for 2015 is $25,000 which would install banners throughout the entire Short North, with a long-term multiyear budget estimated at approximately $170,000.00 over five years for banners throughout the downtown.
The investment proposed by Council President Ginther would provide significant support toward the 2015 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 Colum...
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