Explanation
This ordinance authorizes City Council to enter into contract with Stonewall Columbus in support of the upcoming Columbus Pride Festival. This legislation will assist Stonewall Columbus in their effort to install “Pride” banners along streets in the central downtown business district in 2016.
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 goal to install 165 banners in 2016, and a long-term goal to expand the program throughout downtown, and to raise sufficient resources to replace older, distressed flags and sustain the program from year to year. The fundraising goal for 2016 is $25,000 which would install banners throughout the entire Short North, with a long-term multiyear budget estimated at approximately $135,000.00 over five years for banners throughout the downtown. The investment proposed by City Council would provide significant support toward the 2016 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 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 2016 Pride Festival and Parade June 17-19, 2016. 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 generati...
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