Title
Authorizing the Office of Technology and Communications to apply for and accept grant funds in an amount of $50,000 from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for Tech for All.
Body
WHEREAS, the Office of Technology and Communications serves residents in the City of Saint Paul and the global civic technology community and is therefore responsible for ensuring the city uses technology to strengthen communities, public safety, and its local economy, and;
WHEREAS, the Office of Technology and Communications aims to make Saint Paul the best place in the country to launch and grow technology products that have a positive social impact, and;
WHEREAS, this goal specifically focuses on making sure that communities of color have the resources and access to bring game-changing ideas to the marketplace, and;
WHEREAS, the Office of Technology and Communication has convened a partnership of public, business and non-profit leaders during 2019 to define the structure and objectives of Tech for All, an initiative to achieve this goal, and;
WHEREAS, future phases of Tech for All will require staff support to facilitate community leader convenings that develop working groups and create pilot projects, and;
WHEREAS, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation makes grant awards to community initiatives that nurture talent, enhance opportunity and foster civic engagement, and;
WHEREAS, the Office of Technology and Communication requests permission to apply to the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to cover costs associated with staff and impact measurement related to Tech for All; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City Council of Saint Paul authorizes the Office of Technology and Communication to apply for funds in the amount of up to $50,000 from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and, if successful, the appropriate city authorities may enter into an agreement with said foundation to accept funds on behalf of the city.