Title
Authorizing the Department of Planning and Economic Development to reimburse recipients of 2018 Innovation Fund grants for expenses related to providing refreshments and entertainment for community events.
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Planning and Economic Development administers the Innovation Grant as part of the Community Engagement program supporting the district council system; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution 18-300, authorize the 2018 Innovation Grant funds be used to establish a program for planning and implementation of racial equity programming among the district councils ; and
WHEREAS, providing food and entertainment, especially from traditions linked to the diverse communities present in Saint Paul neighborhoods, is critical to creating enriching events that encourage residents to participate in civic process that promote justice and reconciliation; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the expenditure of money serves a public purpose by increasing participation in district council activities by residents from across various racial groups;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Department of Planning and Economic Development is authorized to reimburse recipients of 2018 Innovation Fund grants for expenses related to providing refreshments and entertainment for community events for an amount not to exceed the total appropriation of the Innovation Fund;
AND FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that this declaration of public purpose shall apply to reimbursements for recipients of Innovation Fund grants in 2019 and 2020.