Franklin County approves $3 million to Rise Together for community data exchange after sustained questioning on sustainability

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt Resolution 66125, approving a $3,000,000 second payment to Rise Together Innovation Institute to support a Community Information Exchange (CIE) intended to connect county, health‑care and nonprofit data to coordinate social‑service referrals.

Commissioner Boyce and others pressed Rise Together representatives and county staff for specifics about sustainability and outside investment before the vote. Diane Dagafford, a consultant on the project, described a “braided funding” approach that would combine service contracts, managed‑care reimbursements and philanthropic support, and said the first phase focuses on government and community‑based organizations while phase two targets health‑care partners. She said vendor selection and a business plan are now in place and that the team is working to secure ongoing revenue streams.

County Administrator Ken Wilson told commissioners the county and city commitments give the project runway through 2028: “the county’s ultimate commitment of American Rescue Plan Act dollars would total as much as $13 million,” and the city of Columbus has legislated $5 million in companion funding, with $2 million already received and $3 million scheduled over the next two years, according to project staff. Those figures were offered in response to commissioners’ requests for clarity about total costs and which partners had pledged funds.

Several commissioners said they support the goal but demanded greater accountability. Commissioner Boyce questioned whether the county would be left “holding the bag” if private and city funding fell short; President Crowley said the initial investment is intended as catalytic leverage to secure private and city contributions and asked for detailed accounting of how the county’s $6 million so far has been spent and how the remaining funds will be used. Staff representatives said they will provide follow‑up reports and that fundraising, procurement, vendor onboarding and legal diligence (asset and 211 integration) are underway.

Presenters described integration efforts with 211 and plans to transfer 211 assets into a governance structure under the Columbus Partnership; they said the 211 service currently has multiple funding sources and that combining 211 with the CIE would create operational efficiencies and new contract revenue opportunities. Administrator Wilson and staff emphasized that the county does not expect to be the permanent operator of the system and that governance and funding structures will be finalized as partners assume operational responsibilities.

The motion to approve Resolution 66125 passed by voice vote with commissioners recorded as voting in favor. Commissioners said they will monitor expenditures and requested periodic, detailed updates on fundraising progress, vendor milestones, and data‑sharing safeguards.

Next steps: staff and Rise Together will continue vendor onboarding and legal due diligence, pursue the remaining city contribution and private‑sector agreements, and return to the commissioners with progress reports and financial accounting as requested.