Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Service to enter into grant agreements with various non-profit social service agencies in support of the Cleaner Columbus Initiative and the Cleaner Columbus Employment Program and to purchase supplies for litter clean-up for Keep Columbus Beautiful.
According to a July 2020 study on the impact of COVID-19 in major US cities, more than half of residents reported experiencing serious financial problems. In 2020, the Cleaner Columbus Employment Program offered residents in five neighborhoods the opportunity to have temporary employment performing neighborhood beautification and cleanup. The funding provided temporary assistance due to financial hardship experienced because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The three-week initiative was a resounding success. Residents collected 5,789 bags of litter and debris for a total weight of 173,670 lbs. That is 53 percent of the total weight of litter and debris collected in all of 2019.
On June 2, 2022, the City of Columbus published a Request for Proposals for social service agencies to apply for Cleaner Columbus employment grants. There were four (4) proposals submitted. An evaluation committee reviewed the proposals in consultation with Keep Columbus Beautiful staff and made recommendations for funding levels.
The Cleaner Columbus Employment Program will continue to offer employment opportunities to residents by paying a minimum of $15 per hour. Community partners will prioritize enrolling residents that have experienced employment disruption.
The Cleaner Columbus Employment Program has an annual period beginning March 1 and concluding November 30. The social service agencies listed below are for the reminder of the 2022 annual period.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Reimagine Safety subfund.
Emergency action is requested in order to avoid any delay in providing the resources necessary to initiate the 2022 Cleaner Columb...
Click here for full text