Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Service to execute a reimbursement agreement in an amount not to exceed $250,000.00 with the Columbus Partnership relative to Smart Columbus.
In 2016, the City of Columbus bested six other finalists to be named the winner of the Smart City Challenge, a nationwide competition administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, which seeks to “create a fully integrated, first-of-its kind city that uses data, technology and creativity to shape how people and goods move in the future.” The receipt of federal and private grants totaling $50 million will support the implementation of the City’s proposal to demonstrate how advanced data and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies and applications can be used to reduce congestion, keep travelers safe, protect the environment, respond to climate change, connect underserved communities, and support economic vitality.
Ordinance 1212-2017 authorized the Director of Public Service to execute a sub-recipient agreement with the Columbus Partnership relative to the implementation of the Smart Columbus Electrification Plan, the goal of which is to lay a practical path to replacing carbon-based fuel consumption through critical system improvements that increase safety, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance mobility. The Columbus Partnership will support that campaign by leading various initiatives aimed at encouraging electric vehicle adoption by individuals, public entities, and private employers, and increasing charging infrastructure.
This legislation authorizes a waiver of the formal competitive bidding requirements of Columbus City Code so as to enable the Columbus Partnership, to execute professional services contracts with CityFi and Deloitte for the provision of consulting services critical to advancing and sustaining the momentum and work inspired by the Smart City Challenge....
Click here for full text