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.
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 requested to allow program services designed to increase employment opportunities for historically marginalized communities without delay.
FISCAL IMPACT: Fund 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 renewal is pending.
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 with 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; and to declare an emergency. ($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, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into a grant agreement with Experience Columbus to begin increasing employment opportunities for historically marginalized communities without delay, hereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; 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 45-01 (Financial Management), object class 10 (Transfer Out Operating) to Dept-Div 44-01 (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 2. 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 44-01 (Administration), Object Class 03 (Services), per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That this contract is awarded in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code.
SECTION 4. 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 5. 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 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby 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.