The 17 Area Commissions of Columbus may soon see a funding boost thanks to a proposed ordinance by Columbus City Council that is planned for discussion and approval at an upcoming council meeting. Ordinance 0667-2013 specifies that area commissions will each see an annual funding increase from $1,000 to $2,500, which is allocated in the 2013 General Fund Budget.
“Area commissions serve as a vital link between City Hall and Columbus neighborhoods,” said Councilmember A. Troy Miller, who chairs the Zoning Committee. “Commissioners bring a wealth of commitment and passion to their service and our community is a better place for it.”
Area Commissions can utilize these funds for mailings, programs and other purposes. The funding increase was originally conceived in a 2007 report by Area Commission leaders.
“The commission meetings have maintained a line of communication not just between commissioners and city leaders, but between neighborhoods,” said Becky Obester, chair of the 5th by Northwest Area Commission. “While there is much more work that must done, this announcement of an increase in commission funding will help us at the street level build a stronger Columbus.”
More information about Columbus Area Commissions can be found at development.columbus.gov.