CITY OF COLUMBUS LAUNCHES FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER
First Lady Shannon Ginther and Columbus City Council President Pro Tempore Elizabeth C. Brown today announced the launch of the Columbus Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), which provides free financial counseling with licensed professionals for all Columbus-area adults. The Columbus FEC is supported by the national Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) and managed in partnership with Jewish Family Services.
- learn more
CITY LEADERS ANNOUNCE $19 MILLION TO SUPPORT HUMAN SERVICES EFFORTS THROUGHOUT COLUMBUS
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther joined Columbus City Council
President Shannon Hardin and Councilmember Shayla D. Favor to announce $19
million for local human services organizations working to address homelessness,
infant vitality and workforce preparedness, among other critical social needs.
- learn more
CITY OF COLUMBUS COMMISSIONS FOUR ARTISTS TO CREATE PUBLIC ART ON THE PENINSULA
The City of Columbus announced the commission of four artists to create public art to beautify the Starling Garage on The Peninsula. Local muralists Adam Hernandez, Nick Stull and Lucie Shearer and award-winning architecture and design firm Studio KCA were selected from a field of 81 artists to create three murals and one sculpture to adorn the city-owned parking garage opening in June.
- learn more
CITY AWARDS ADDITIONAL $8 MILLION IN COVID-19 RENTAL AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE TO HELP RESIDENTS FACING HOUSING INSTABILITY
The City of Columbus today awarded $8 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding to 12 community organizations that will continue to provide emergency rental assistance (ERA) to residents made vulnerable by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is a second award through the Stable Housing Initiative, a program introduced in August 2021 when the city awarded $12.2 million to 26 community organizations to pursue the equitable distribution of emergency rental assistance in the community.
The 12 organizations receiving funding have exhausted their first award and will use the additional funding to serve hard-to-reach populations, including seniors, immigrants and refugees, youth and people with disabilities. Funds will be used for rental assistance, supportive services, and targeted outreach to Columbus residents that had not yet had access to emergency rental assistance programs. “The fact that these organizations were able to allocate $12.2 million in rental assistance so quickly demonstrates the magnitude of the need in our community,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “I’m pleased to provide further assistance to organizations that have successfully served our neighbors in need, so they may remain stably housed as the Omicron variant and the winter months wear on.”
The U.S. Treasury has awarded more the $47 million to the City of Columbus to help combat housing instability during the pandemic. These emergency rental assistance funds are being distributed through the Stable Housing Initiative partners, as well as, IMPACT Community Action and the Columbus Urban League.
“I am very proud of our community partners for their efforts to support our most vulnerable populations during these challenging times. Thanks to their innovation and collaboration, all Columbus residents can now apply for rental and utility assistance through Rentful614.com, said Councilmember Favor. Housing remains my top priority, that is why I will continue to advocate for more ERA funding.
“With this second round of funds, we will aim to connect families with additional supportive services,” said Robin Green, Director of Broad Street Presbyterian Church’s COMPASS program. “We’re excited about this round of City funding that allows us to continue providing rental/utility assistance and recommend supportive services for greater stabilization. We are honored to have been selected to participate in helping our Central Ohio neighbors.”
- learn more
COLUMBUS POISED TO GAIN 1,200 NEW JOBS
Columbus City Council will consider legislation to spur the creation of 1,234 new jobs across a variety of industries, including food service professionals, warehouse managers, maintenance technicians, software developers, logistics coordinators and customer service associates.
- learn more
INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF COLUMBUS ZONING CODE
An independent assessment released today identifies inequities and inefficiencies in the City of Columbus’ zoning code, and proposes a comprehensive revision to promote more equitable growth.
- learn more
TAX INCENTIVE REVIEW COUNCIL CY 2020 REVIEW
Recommendations of the Tax Incentive Review Council show restrained company performance during the outset of the pandemic; Council recommends continuation of 85 incentive agreements as local economy rebounds
- learn more