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A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM COUNCIL PRESIDENT SHANNON G. HARDIN
During the final meeting before the annual August recess, Columbus City Council addressed a lengthy agenda that continued our focus on building strong neighborhoods, pathways out of poverty, jobs and Reimagining Public Safety.
The collection of ordinances passed this week represent nearly $7 million in investments in small businesses and entrepreneur support organizations, will bring more than 13,000 new jobs to our neighborhoods, over 4,000 new housing units and $2.9 million in park and playground upgrades. Our vote also solidified the three-year police union contract with additional provisions for the Civilian Police Review Board, the office of the Inspector General and updates to officer accountability.
By closing out our first half of the year with a real focus on our core objectives, we've set the stage for finishing a strong 2021 with new ideas, positive solutions to real problems, and continued opportunity for resident feedback.
I speak for all of us on Council when I say it's an honor to serve the residents of Columbus.
Resolutely,
Shannon G. Hardin
Council President
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 Small and minority-owned businesses continue to be the backbone of Columbus' local economy and the soul of the community. Deeply impacted by the pandemic, Council authorized nearly $7 million to provide training, grants, low-interest loans, incubator space and technical assistance to local entrepreneurs.
"Investing in entrepreneurship is investing in our economic future," said Council President Hardin. "This legislation in combination with the implementation of the disparity study will make a big impact for Columbus' small business community."
Here's some of what Council recently passed:
- Ordinances 2087-2021 and 2096-2021
- Similar to the 2020 Columbus-Franklin County COVID-19 Small Business Response and Recovery Program implemented by the City and Franklin County in 2020 using CARES Act funds, the City and the county will partner with the Wells Foundation and Columbus State Community College's Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) to provide economic support to small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 using American Rescue Plan funds. The City is contributing $5 million towards this effort.
- Ordinance 2029-2021
- Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) will administer a $1 million revolving loan fund to small businesses in Columbus, focusing on underserved communities. The program is an important step to rebuild and reestablish the local economy, including directly supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Ordinance 2030-2021
- The Neighborhood Design Center (NDC) will manage a pilot program to improve the small business built environment in key economic corridors. The NDC will assess, evaluate, and recommend projects for city funding under the $200,000 pilot program. For funded projects, the NDC is available to provide design services as needed.
- Ordinance 2032-2021
- Venture Suite is a black-owned and operated small business incubator offering workforce training and office space in the King-Lincoln Neighborhood. Venture Suite will provide residents with a host of workshops and classes to drive jobs in IT and create new enterprises. Recognizing the underwhelming diversity numbers in the technology and startup space, Council funded the venture suite with $400,000 to move the needle towards a more inclusive and prosperous local economy.
- Ordinance 2033-2021
- Columbus Fashion Initiative (CFI) works towards unifying and strengthening the Columbus fashion ecosystem, focusing on the Franklinton community. Columbus Fashion Alliance's mission is to build a community and ecosystem that supports the launch and growth of fashion-based businesses and to lower the barriers of access for anyone looking to get into the business of fashion. This $300,000 grant will allow the Columbus Fashion Alliance to provide training and educational opportunities, access to industrial printmaking and design materials, as well as continuing to serve as a hub for creators.
- Ordinance 2078-2021
- As a result of the increasing numbers of vaccinations, downtown businesses are starting to return their workers to the office. However, many of its restaurants and retail businesses continue to struggle due to decreased foot traffic. The "Welcome Back Downtown" Marketing Campaign received $15,000 to help fund banners on street lights, digital advertising, window clings for businesses, physical buttons to be worn by front-line workers, and short videos with downtown business owners.
In a memorandum of understanding with The Ohio State University, the City’s Northwest sector is poised to evolve into the next innovation hub. Approved on July 26, 2021, the proposed “Innovation District” is an expansion of OSU’s west campus between Kenny Road to the east, North Star Road to the west, Lane Avenue to the north, and the southern boundary of the parcels lining the south side of Kinnear Road.
This innovation collaborative will create an additional 1,500 to 2,000 residential units - 20% of which will be dedicated affordable housing, 100,000 to 200,000 square feet of retail, a hotel up to 220 beds, up to 500,000 square feet of medical facilities, and four to six million square feet of lab and commercial office space.
Additionally, the University will implement good faith efforts to employ minority and women-owned business enterprises for the performance of the work totaling a minimum of 30%.
Considering the City’s economic development incentive commitments, OSU will create up to 12,000 jobs with an estimated payroll of up to $950 million annually and provide a capital investment of $3-4 billion dollars in new infrastructure. The Innovation District will be connected to future transit and mobility options via the LinkUS Northwest Corridor.
Council approved ordinance 1987-2021 to create a dual-rate Jobs Growth Incentive Agreement with FlightSafety International, Inc., which will result in 113 net new full-time permanent positions with an annual payroll of $10,130,000 and retain 32 full-time permanent positions with an annual payroll of $6,784,416. This project would relocate the company’s headquarters operations from New York to Columbus.
“As Columbus continues to grow and attract new residents, we must be strategic in bringing new, good-paying jobs to our City,” said Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy. “With 113 new jobs, all paying over $37 an hour, this is certainly a gain for the residents of Columbus.”
This incentive encourages the specific employment of Columbus residents by adding a slight increase of City of Columbus income tax withheld on the Columbus payroll of employees for a term of up to five consecutive years.
FlightSafety International Inc. is one of the world’s leading aviation training companies, training more than 75,000 pilots, technicians, and other aviation professions each year via a worldwide network of 40 learning centers.
Council is taking a comprehensive approach to promote the wellbeing of neighborhoods, including prioritizing investments in safe and accessible parks and green spaces for families to enjoy.
In partnership with the Recreation and Parks Department, Council approved $1.65 million in playground improvements and $1.32 million in shelter house and lighting improvements in parks throughout the City.
“The ability to gather outdoors is critical for the health of families in every community,” said President Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown. “Whether you are taking your kids to the playground, playing sports, or gathering with friends and family, these investments help us provide essential opportunities in our neighborhoods.”
Ordinances 1943-2021, 1946-2021, 1950-2021, 1951-2021, and 1960-2021 support the Department’s park lighting program, shelter improvement project, sports court lighting project, and playground improvements.
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Council’s work to increase the number of affordable housing units in the City with the passage of 1680-2021 and a collective of zoning variances.
The passage of 1680-2021 will accept the 2021 HOME Investment Partnership Program grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Under the program, 15 rental units reserved for those families making less than around 60,000 a year (80% area median income) will be constructed at an investment of $1.23 million.
“Each and every additional affordable housing unit is critical to providing a needed home in our community,” said Councilmember Shayla Favor. “These Cape Cod-style homes will blend with the existing fabric of the community and give residents access to a variety of supportive services and advocacy opportunities.”
Council is also committed to updating the zoning code to reflect the need to increase density in the City. With passage of the zoning ordinances, 2,670 units, including 495 of which are designated affordable units and 100 affordable units allocated for Seniors.
"Our City is transforming and we have to update the zoning code to reflect the density and equity required for the growth we are experiencing, so I look forward to reviewing the phase one zoning code update report within the next few weeks,” said Councilmember Priscilla Tyson. “Currently, we know we are need of mixed-income housing options including affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing," said Councilmember Priscilla Tyson.
Council passed ordinance 2060-2021 to address an increase in reckless ATV and dirt bike activity over the summer. The legislation creates an offense for reckless operation of an ATV or dirt bike, carrying a minimum penalty of $500 and a maximum penalty of $1,000. This offense can also carry a maximum prison sentence of 30 days to ensure that the new provision is consistent with the current penalty for the reckless operation of a motor vehicle which carries a maximum $150 fine and up to 30 days in jail.
“Since the beginning of 2021, I have heard from residents from all over the city about how illegal operation of ATVs and dirt bikes are causing havoc in their neighborhoods, driving recklessly down their streets, and destroying our public parks,” said Councilmember Mitchell J. Brown. “These penalties along with the efforts of law enforcement to impound these vehicles will go a long way in curbing the willingness of riders to take these reckless actions.”
Councilmembers have heard from many residents across the City to come up with solutions to this growing problem. The Columbus Division of Police has reported over 700 calls for service in response to these reckless activities.
Council Passes New Police Contract
Council passed ordinance 2049-2921 for the new contract between the City of Columbus and the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9. This new contract is a big step in the right direction, as it allows for the full implementation of the Civilian Police Review Board, requires that officers be drug tested after using their firearm and ends leave forfeiture -- a practice that let officers trade vacation days for suspension days after potentially being disciplined for profiling or use of force.
"As with any collective bargaining agreement (CBA), both parties give and take," said Councilmember Rob Dorans. "No party is going to get everything they want in a CBA. However, I am very pleased that the CBA passed earlier this week between the City of Columbus and Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 to enshrine in the contract the newly created Civilian Review Board as an important piece of accountability and transparency for the community and our officers."
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 As Council Residential Districting Commission (CRDC) continues on the journey to create legislative districts within Columbus, the work continues to take place in a transparent, open manner.
The CRDC is holding weekly working sessions through August 25, 2021, to review public input, Census data and begin the mapping process. These working sessions are open to the public and will take place in Council Chambers at City Hall, 90 West Broad Street from 5:30-7:30p on the following days:
- Wednesday, August 4
- Wednesday, August 11
- Wednesday, August 18
- Wednesday August 25
The schedule is subject to change and working sessions may be added as needed. Please pay attention to Council social media platforms for scheduling updates. With the continued concern relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CRDC strongly encourages residents to view these working sessions virtually through Facebook or YouTube live. However, you may attend in person in Council Chambers with limited seating and social distancing. If you have any questions or would like more information about these upcoming meetings, please direct your email to CRDC@columbus.gov
The first round of district maps is tentatively scheduled for release and public input on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Council will approve one of three maps produced by the CRDC by the end of 2021, and the districts will be in place for the 2023 Council election cycle.
For more information, visit www.columbus.gov/districtingcommission/ or email crdc@columbusgov.
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