Columbus City Council Meeting Highlights:
• CREATING SOLAR ACCESSIBILITY TO MORE COLUMBUS COMMUNITIES: President Pro Tem Rob Dorans, chair of the Public Utilities committee, is sponsoring Ordinance 2271-2023, to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a non-profit service contract with Solar United Neighbors for implementation of the Solar Co-op Management Program, a low- to moderate-income (LMI) solar program that increases engagement of low-income communities and maximizes the benefits that low-income households receive from solar. SUN utilizes a bulk-purchasing model to provide discounted solar rates that help people go solar and jump-start and grow local clean energy markets.
• INVESTING $5.9 MILLION INTO PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS: Councilmember Mitchell Brown, chair of the Education Committee, is sponsoring Ordinance 1931-2023 to authorize the Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Education to enter into contracts with multiple organizations to offer high-quality pre-kindergarten education for 4- year-olds. This funding brings resources to a critical learning stage in childhood development. Research has shown that quality pre-kindergarten experiences significantly improve a child’s early literacy, language, and math skills providing a foundation for a student’s future success.
• PUTTING COUNCIL'S 2023 HOUSING INITIATIVES INTO ACTION: Councilmember Shayla Favor, chair of the Housing Committee, is sponsoring multiple ordinances related to Council's housing initiatives announced earlier this year. The 12 policy legislative package seeks to focus on investing in our city through the sustainable development of new affordable housing units, preserving our current housing stock, and ensuring the housing market is inclusive of all peoples, regardless of socio-economic status. These initiatives include funding for homeownership opportunities for marginalized communities, expand the current home repair program, and continue legal representation in eviction court. Additionally, there are two code changes. One code change, Pay to Stay, requires the landlord to accept rent payment up until a court judgement. The second code, Third Party Payment, will give tenants an affirmative defense if a landlord rejects payment made on behalf of the tenant as long as they are not in breach of their contract.
• IMPLEMENTING THE FIRST PHASE OF "ENABLE COLUMBUS": Councilmember Emmanuel Remy, chair of the Public Safety Committee, is sponsoring Ordinance 2167-2023, to begin "ENABLE Columbus". This project aims to develop research expertise and enhance crowd management strategies, foster dialogue between police and demonstrators, and safeguard the First Amendment rights of the residents of the City of Columbus.
