Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Columbus Fashion Initiative (CFI), a non-profit organization, in an amount up to $375,000.00 in support of the organization’s mission to support growth and unity of fashion based businesses and to unify and strengthen the Columbus fashion ecosystem with focus on the Franklinton community. Funds will be advanced per an advancement schedule included in the contract.
The mission of the Columbus Fashion Initiative is to move fashion forward, Further, CFI seeks to enhance Columbus’s culture into one that equips, fosters, and supports emerging designers and brands in the ultimate quest to become and sustain Columbus as a regionally, nationally, and internationally respected fashion hub. By cultivating education, community, imagination, and opportunity, CFI strives to become a fashion manufacturing and innovation leader while building an alliance of stakeholders from across all domains of the fashion and retail ecosystem. While open and accessible to all, CFI emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion within the sector by intentionally engaging existing and emerging designers, producers, and artist of color. The Columbus market is a leader in fashion design, making it essential to support small business fashion entrepreneurs.
CFI achieves this through the following initiatives: (1) training, education, and workforce development; (2) infrastructure for a co-working space, small batch production, and a library of educational resources; (3) workshops and collaborations with local partners to encourage innovation in the industry; and (4) pop up retail markets.
Columbus City Council, per ordinance number 0691-2022, passed on March 21, 2022, provided up to $375,000 in support of Columbus Fashion Alliance (aka CFI). Columbus City Council, per ordinance number 2033-2021, passed on July 26, 2021, provided up to $300,000 in support of Columbus Fashion Alliance (aka CFI).
FISCAL IMPACT: The funding, of $375,000.00 is available within 2023 Jobs Growth Subfund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: The vendor’s contract compliance number is 031541 and contract compliance expires on 8//27/2023.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to execute a grant agreement with Columbus Fashion Initiative, a non-profit organization, in an amount up to $375,000.00, towards efforts to grow and unify the Columbus fashion ecosystem; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure within the Jobs Growth Subfund; and to authorize the advancement of funds. ($375,000.00).
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 ("CFI") seeks to provide the community opportunities in the fashion industry through education and training programs, access to equipment, production space, and financial capital; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council, per Ordinance No. 0691-2022, passed on March 21, 2022, provided up to $375,000 in support of Columbus Fashion Alliance (aka CFI). Columbus City Council, per ordinance number 2033-2021, passed on July 26, 2021, provided up to $300,000 in support of Columbus Fashion Alliance (aka CFI); and
WHEREAS, the Director of Development desires to enter into a grant agreement with Columbus Fashion Initiative to unify and strengthen the Columbus fashion ecosystem and focus on the Franklinton community, NOW THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is authorized to enter into a grant agreement with Columbus Fashion Initiative (CFI) in an amount up to $375,000.00 for the purpose of supporting the mission of growth and unity of fashion based businesses in Columbus, and is authorized to advance funds per a schedule to be included in the contract.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor be and is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $375,000,00 in Fund 1000 (General Fund), Subfund 100015 (Jobs Growth Subfund), Dept-Div 4402 (Economic Development), in Object Class 05 (Other), per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $375,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed pursuant to the action authorized in SECTION 1 of this ordinance, is authorized in Fund 1000 (General Fund), Subfund 100015 (Jobs Growth Subfund), Dept-Div 4402 (Economic Development), in Object Class 05 (Other), per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. Funds are 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 contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.