Description
Title: To submit to the electors of the city of Columbus at a special election to be held concurrently with the regular primary election on May 5, 2026, the question of amending the Charter of the City of Columbus, such question to be known as "Proposed Charter Amendment No. 1, Community Crisis Response.”
Summary
Proposed Charter Amendment No. 1 aims to establish a Community Crisis Response system in Columbus, designed to address emergency and non-emergency situations with a focus on alternative responses to traditional police or fire services. This legislation proposes the creation of a Division of Community Crisis Response within Columbus Public Health, which would manage unarmed response services for appropriate calls. It includes the formation of an advisory board to oversee these initiatives and mandates data collection along with quarterly reporting. The amendment emphasizes resident engagement and requires an operational assessment every four years. It also outlines funding requirements, proposing $5 million for fiscal year 2027 and $12 million by 2031, with services expected to be fully operational by January 1, 2029, and available 24/