Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Development to execute a grant agreement with Greater Columbus Convention & Visitor’s Bureau dba Experience Columbus, in an amount up to $250,000.00, for the Diversity Apprenticeship program.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Columbus, Ohio leisure and hospitality workforce consisted of 73% white, 16% black, 5.6% Asian, and 5.9% Hispanic employees. As the travel industry begins to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the diversity levels remain stagnant and the need to create a more inclusive workforce, as well as the need for more leadership opportunities for minorities in this industry, has emerged. The Diversity Apprenticeship program is designed to address these issues by providing participants hands on, on-the-job experience working across multiple departments (i.e., marketing, sales, finance, etc.) in travel industry organizations. The program will position the apprentice for long-term professional success in a leadership capacity in the travel industry. As the program and contract are developed and if it is determined that this program is eligible to be funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the funding source will be changed and the program and contract shall be in alignment with federal guidelines.
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.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds will be transferred from the General Fund Citywide Account to the Department of Development General Fund budget.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: the vendor number is 006014 and expires on January 7, 2022.
Title
To authorize the Director of Development to execute a grant agreement with Greater Columbus Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, dba Experience Columbus, in an amount up to $250,000.00 for the provision of the Diversity Apprenticeship program; to authorize a transfer within the General Fund in an amount up to $250,000.00; to authorize an expenditure of up to $250,000.00 from the General Fund. ($250,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the travel industry has begun rebuilding from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, diversity levels remain stagnant and the need to create a more inclusive workforce and leadership opportunities for minorities in the Columbus area travel industry is evident; and
WHEREAS, the Diversity Apprenticeship program is designed to address these issues and position apprentices for long-term professional success; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Development desires to enter into a grant agreement with Experience Columbus for the provision of the Diversity Apprenticeship program; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary to authorize the Director of Development to execute a grant agreement with Greater Columbus Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, dba Experience Columbus; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the transfer of $250,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized within Fund 1000 (General Fund), from Dept-Div 4501, object class 10 to Dept-Div 4401 (Administration), object class 03 (Services) per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance:
SECTION 2. That the Director of the Department of Development is hereby authorized to enter into a grant agreement with Greater Columbus Convention & Visitor’s Bureau dba Experience Columbus in an amount up to $250,000.00 for the Diversity Apprenticeship program.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $250,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed is hereby authorized in Fund 1000 (General Fund), Dept-Div 4401 (Administration), Object Class 03 (Services), per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That this contract is awarded in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code.
SECTION 5. Funds are hereby deemed appropriated and expenditures and transfers authorized to carry out the purposes of this ordinance and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 6. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 7. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.