Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes a grant agreement in the amount of $125,000 between Columbus City Council and Columbus Fashion Initiative for the provision of business development services.
Columbus Fashion Initiative will receive funding for small business development services and place-based economic development that will include work-based collaboration, training, and career and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Columbus Fashion Initiative was established to address the changing landscape in fashion and retail while creating greater opportunity for Columbus residents to participate in the industry. However, COVID-19 has resulted in significant cutbacks, layoffs, and other employment impacts for professionals in the fashion and retail industries. Many Columbus fashion retailers have had to permanently layoff thousands of employees. Across the industry, entire departments have been eliminated, and many small brick-and-mortar stores have had to close for good. This has left many professionals in the fashion and retail industry unemployed.
Support of this initiative aligns with Columbus City Council’s priorities of building strong neighborhoods, promoting the creation of good-paying jobs, and developing pathways out of poverty.
Emergency action is necessary due to the time-sensitive deadlines for the start of operations.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for this appropriation is available within the CARES Act fund.
Title
To authorize Columbus City Council to enter into a grant agreement with Columbus Fashion Initiative for the provision of business development services; to authorize a transfer of appropriations and an expenditure of $125,000.00 within the CARES Act fund; and to declare an emergency. ($125,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is a top priority of Columbus City Council to support efforts that build strong neighborhoods, promote the creation of good-paying jobs, and develop pathways out of poverty; and
WHEREAS, Columbus Fashion Initiative ...
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