Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Interim Director of Public Service to enter into grant agreements with three not-for-profit organizations known as the Short North Alliance, Inc., the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District of Columbus, Inc., and the Columbus Fashion Initiative dba Columbus Fashion Alliance in the amount of $100,000.00 each in support of their open streets event programming.
In 2023, the Short North Alliance, Inc. piloted one of the largest ever open streets experiences in Columbus in the City's largest, busiest, and most prominent streets. With support from Columbus City Council and dozens from within the private sector, the Holiday Hop event was re-imagined into an open streets format to elevate inclusivity, showcase spaces for people and not just cars, and provide momentum for the small business community at a critical time when they needed it the most after a tough year. Initiatives like this have proven very popular and are important teaching tools to demonstrate to residents the importance of experiencing Columbus and its amenities not only through a single-occupancy vehicle experience, but also as a pedestrian or micro-mobility user.
The Short North Alliance, Inc. has planned three open-streets initiatives: gallery hop on June 1 and Sept. 7, and Holiday Hop on December 7. These events will create synergy with other Columbus festivities including Pride Month and the Gallery Hop's 40th anniversary.
This year, the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District of Columbus, Inc. and the Columbus Fashion Alliance are both planning to host open-streets events as well. Similar to the Short North Alliance, Inc.'s planned events, this programming will offer residents in different parts of the City the opportunity to experience the open-streets concept for the first time in conjunction with downtown events and 614 Day. The Columbus Fashion Alliance is providing event production services to the City for the 614 Da...
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