Explanation
This legislation authorizes the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with US Together in the amount of $15,000.00 in support of the Gateways for Growth Project of Central Ohio.
The Gateways for Growth Challenge (G4G) was created in 2016 to provide support to communities that have demonstrated leadership and commitment to developing an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment to all residents. American Immigration Council (recently merged with New American Economy) and Welcoming America have awarded over 70 communities nationwide with tailored economic research reports on the contributions of immigrants; technical assistance in the development of a multi-sector strategic welcoming plan; and matching grants to bolster this work.
In 2020, Central Ohio (Columbus) was selected as one of 19 communities in Round IV of the G4G award and was one of only ten to receive technical assistance. Central Ohio partook in a year-long strategic planning process and brought together leaders across multiple sectors to create a welcoming plan. This award served as a testament to the strength of the community and its multi-sector partners’ dedication to building a robust plan that will benefit all residents.
This year, Central Ohio (Columbus) was selected as one of six (6) communities to receive G4G Implementation Technical Assistance and Grant Award dollars to help implement recommendations from the welcoming plan. This award serves as a commitment from our national partners to continue support of our local welcoming plan, “Central Ohio’s Plan for Welcoming Immigrants and Refugees,” as well as Central Ohio’s commitment to engaging the community in this work.
Emergency Designation: Emergency action is requested to ensure that US Together can immediately begin their Implementation of the Gateways for Growth Project and Welcoming Plan for the residents of Central Ohio.
Contract Compliance: The vendor number is 010453 and contract compliance expires 4/23/2023.
Fiscal Impact: Total appropriation is $15,000.00 and is available in the Neighborhood Initiative subfund.
Title
To authorize the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with US Together Inc. in the amount of $15,000.00 in support of the Gateways for Growth Project of Central Ohio; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($15,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, The Gateways for Growth Challenge (G4G) was created in 2016 to provide support to communities that have demonstrated leadership and commitment to developing an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment to all residents; and,
WHEREAS, Central Ohio (Columbus) was selected as one of 19 communities in Round IV of the G4G award and was one of only ten to receive technical assistance in developing a strategic Welcoming Plan; and,
WHEREAS, Central Ohio (Columbus) was selected again in 2022 for the Implementation Cohort of the G4G award and is one of only six (6) to receive financial and technical assistance in implementing a strategic Welcoming Plan; and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to authorize entering into a grant agreement with US Together to allow the continuation of the Gateways for Growth Project for the residents of Central Ohio; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1: That the Department of Development is hereby authorized to enter into a grant agreement with US Together Inc. in support of the Gateways for Growth Project.
SECTION 2: That the Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $15,000.00 to the Department of Development within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100018, in Services-03 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3: That the expenditure of $15,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100018, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4: 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 legislation.
SECTION 5: That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 6: That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.