Franklin County adopts contracts, grants and workforce investments including $1.4M for fashion workforce program

After adopting the NWSL memorandum, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners returned to its regular agenda and approved a broad package of contracts, appropriations and grants.

Engineering and public works The board awarded several engineer contracts and plan approvals. The county engineer’s office sought CDBG funding for the Chambers Road and Westbrook subdivision sidewalks project; Decker Construction was chosen via competitive bid (resolution 240-26). The board also approved the 2026 resurfacing contract to The Shelley Company (resolution 241-26) and the county’s general bridge maintenance plans for 2026 (resolution 242-26). Compensation related to a drainage outlet project in Madison Township was authorized (resolution 243-26). The commission further approved a $750,000 allocation of motor‑vehicle license fee funds for Walnut Street improvements at a new roundabout in New Albany (resolution 244-26) and approved participation in the ODOT contract for road salt for winter needs (resolution 245-26).

County IT and workforce, and developmental‑disability staffing The board authorized a procurement with Tickflow PTE LTD for a process‑automation tool for the data center (resolution 247-26). The Board of Developmental Disabilities received a supplemental non‑general fund appropriation to hire service coordinators to implement Ohio’s waiver modernization (resolution 248-26); the appropriation was described as $473,633 offset by targeted case‑management revenue of $471,744.

Economic development and workforce grants Economic Development and Planning presented smaller agreements including a $15,000 contract for floodplain review services (resolution 249-26). The Board approved a $1.4 million grant to the Columbus Fashion Alliance for the Ready to Work 2026 workforce program (resolution 250-26). Director Andrina Austin and CFA representatives said the program supports industry‑aligned training, placement pathways and a downtown fashion hub; CFA reported prior cohorts produced an 80% placement rate and both the Ready to Work and Launch Lab tracks generate measured economic impact claims the presenters summarized in the hearing.

Community and conference support The board approved a $265,000 grant to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Great Lakes Region to support its 95th Great Lakes Regional Conference and related workforce and community engagement activities (resolution 251-26). County officials noted the conference will bring thousands of attendees and programming intended to benefit local small businesses and Columbus City Schools.

Justice grants, purchasing and appointments The board accepted Violence Against Women Act administrative and block grants that will fund prosecution, victim services and related administrative costs (resolutions 252-26 and 253-26). Purchasing resolutions approved multiple county purchase orders (resolutions 254-26 and 255-26). The county also approved a local workforce memorandum of understanding for workforce area 11 (resolution 256-26) and a reappointment to the Ohio Children's Trust Fund Central Ohio Regional Prevention Council (resolution 257-26). Several items passed unanimously; a small number of purchase approvals were recorded with a noted abstention by Commissioner Boyce.

What to watch next Most of these items are implementation or funding authorizations: contracts will move to procurement and project execution, grant recipients will begin program work, and departmental staff will handle follow-up reporting. Journalizations included several annexation petitions and one withdrawal; the commission adjourned after completing the posted business.

(Reporting based on the Franklin County Board of Commissioners general session, April 21, 2026.)