A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM COUNCILMEMBER MITCHELL J. BROWN
 Memorial Day is a day of reflection and remembrance of the men and women of the United States military, all heroes, who have laid down their lives for the freedoms we cherish. In years past, you may have observed Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials and placing wreaths and flags, or you may have participated in a Memorial Day parade.
This year, the year of COVID-19, we may be observing Memorial Day in a different manner. While we may not be participating in a parade, or holding large family gatherings, as a Vietnam ear veteran, I encourage you to take the time to say thank you to the family of the fallen. Discover a way to honor that family for the sacrifice they have made.
I also encourage you to continue to help flatten the curve by maintaining social distancing and wearing a face covering while in public. As the City begins to reopen, we must remain diligent and take deliberate action to saves lives. We are all in this together folks. These acts of respect are for you and me.
Remember to display your flag, stay safe and stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Mitchell J. Brown
Columbus City Councilmember
Series of Council Actions Invests in Small Businesses, Help Families Prevent Evictions, Increases Food Access and Housing to Seniors
On Monday, May 18, 2020, Columbus City Council voted to accept $157 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to support communities grappling with the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the coming weeks, Council will address the emergent need to help small businesses.
"This essential funding allows us to keep fighting for those who have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis," said Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown. "Across our community, families are bearing the brunt of this public health and economic disaster, and they need our undivided attention."
The CARES Act funding must be used for expenditures necessary to address public health issues related to COVID-19, and cannot be used to replace revenue. Funds must be spent by December 31, 2020.
FOCUS ON FAMILIES FIRST
Council passed a collection of ordinances to support a senior housing development and allocate more than $3 million to address housing, evictions and homelessness in the City. The pandemic has amplified all of these issues.
The newly-created Northland Gate senior housing development project will create up to 94 new affordable housing units for seniors on Maple Canyon Avenue on the City's north side. Council also provided $2.65 million to the IMPACT Community Action Hope Fund Match. This fund provides tenant-based rental assistance to support tenants experiencing economic hardship to pay their rent directly to landlords.
"The economic and financial impact of COVID-19 on Columbus families has been devastating, leaving many unemployed and without the ability to pay rent," said Councilmember Shayla Favor, chair of the Housing Committee. "By providing direct rental assistance to those in need, we are helping to stabilize families and keep them housed, not only preventing an onslaught of evictions but helping to ease the burden on our shelter system."
The Community Mediation Services Housing Stability/Homelessness Prevention Program received $100,000 to help bring resolutions to pending eviction proceedings between tenants and landlords.
The Legal Aid Society of Columbus Tenant Advocacy Project received $250,000 to provide five additional attorneys to represent clients with eviction proceedings and work with landlords to find a resolution.
FOCUS ON FAMILIES FIRST
Access to healthy meals on a daily basis can be a struggle for many seniors. Residents over 65 potentially face mobility issues and other health concerns that may limit their ability to venture into the community. The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded this issue as residents find themselves isolated from family and friends.
As part of Columbus City Council’s continuing efforts to provide a safe, quality life for every member of the community, $1,078,132 in funding has been allocated to seven community agencies across Central Ohio to provide home-delivered meals to older adults through the end of September 2020.
For more information on services for seniors visit www.coaaa.org/
City Council is working to find solutions to communicate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Welcome to Town Hall Tuesdays. This week's topics include Reopening Columbus, Engaging Small Businesses and Navigating Summer Childcare.
All interested citizens are invited to participate and email questions to townhall@columbus.gov by 4pm on Sunday, May 24, 2020.
There are also limited opportunities to ask questions during the event through Facebook Live. To view past events, visit the City of Columbus YouTube channel and Council's Facebook page.
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All CCS high schools will hold virtual graduation ceremonies that will be streamed during the week of June 22-27. Each ceremony will be broadcast on the Columbus City Schools Facebook page and YouTube channel, the Columbus Educational Access Channel, and WCBE 90.5 FM.
Click here to view complete schedule.
The graduation ceremonies will have a special commencement speaker of national renown, short remarks from Superintendent Talisa Dixon, their principal, and each school’s valedictorian or chosen student speaker.
The District will also stream virtual completer ceremonies for Career Tech students at Columbus Downtown High School (June 18) and the Fort Hayes Career Center (June 19). More details and the complete schedule is available at ccsoh.us/classof2020.
Columbus City Council, in partnership with Columbus City Schools, Orange Barrel Media and Radio One, will host a virtual prom for the Class of 2020! Power 107.5 will host the live, citywide "Virtual High School Prom" on-air, online and on social media via Instagram @powercolumbus.
#Power614VirtualProm
Saturday, May 23, 2020
7PM - Midnight
Featuring Radio One DJs, a red carpet event, local and national government officials, celebrities and members of the Class of 2020. The 2020 Columbus Prom king and queen will also be crowned at the event. Click here for more information.
Help the Columbus City Council Commission on Black Girls (COBG) honor the Class of 2020 by highlight the achievements of African American girls graduating this school year.
"High school graduation is a rite of passage for which all graduates deserve recognition,” said Councilmember Priscilla Tyson. "The Commission on Black Girls is not only focused on enhancing the quality of life of Black girls to ensure their future success, but we also want to celebrate the achievements of Black girls now because we know many times their accomplishments and voices are not heard."
Here is how you can help us honor Black girls graduating from high school or college:
- Online: Click here to secure the recommendation form
- Email: Send a message to CGWilliams@columbus.gov and provide the graduate's name, high school or college, photo, accomplishments and plans after graduation.
Posts honoring 2020 graduates will appear on the COBG Facebook, Instagram and website www.thecommissiononblackgirls.org during the months of May and June. Join us. Let's celebrate these seniors and their 20-20 vision!
Last week, the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) announced a pilot curbside pickup at its Gahanna, Hilliard and Parsons branches as part of its planned phased reopening. Starting Tuesday, May 26, 2020, CML will expand this service at four additional branches. Those additional branches are:
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Dublin Branch | 75 N. High St.
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Northern Lights Branch | 4093 Cleveland Ave.
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Southeast Branch | 3980 S. Hamilton Rd.
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Whetstone Branch | 3909 N. High St.
Curbside pickup will be available Monday-Thursday, 11AM-7PM; Friday and Saturday, 11AM-6PM, with no service on Sunday. Click here for more information about curbside pickup and currently held items.
Customers who have received notification from CML that they have items ready to pick up at these three locations may do so with curbside pickup. Those who have items ready to pick up at any other location are advised to watch for updates for when additional locations will offer curbside pickup.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention works 24/7 keeping America safe from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and domestic. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease, and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
Visit the CDC website for current information on COVID-19
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