Council Strengthens Area Commissions, Cementing Critical Neighborhood Partnerships
[COLUMBUS, OH] Columbus City Council is listening and learning
from residents how to support and empower neighborhoods. On Monday, December 9,
2019, Council passed Ordinance 2952-2019 to strengthen our grassroots leaders –
Area Commissioners.
"Our ultimate goal is to empower local leaders with the
tools they need to help build a stronger City," said Councilmember Rob
Dorans. "We are grateful to our Area Commissioners for their service,
insight and leadership. Working together, we can improve the quality of life
for everyone in our community."
In 2018, Columbus City Council and the Department of
Neighborhoods embarked on a mission to strengthen Area Commissions. As a result
of two years of feedback, the Department proposed two changes to City Code to
address the standardizing operations across Commissions.
The vote standardized Area Commissioner terms to three years and
designated the Department of Neighborhoods as the primary source to work with
Area Commissions.
Feedback during public hearings resulted in Council omitting the
original proposed change to limit the number of commissioners at 17 who can
serve on one Area Commission.
"Many of the members were against capping the number at 17
area commissioners that can serve," Dorans continued. "We listened
and removed that provision."
"This ordinance is just the first step in supporting our
partners in the success of the City. We are working to secure more funding to
share and increase resources for Area Commissions to help them perform their
important work."
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