COLUMBIA, MO (January 31, 2011) -

Applications for public communications resource funding will be available starting Jan. 31. This is the fourth year that the city has funded a partnership with other public communication service providers to expand or enhance communication among citizens and city officials on issues of importance to the community.  

Project funding,ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, is available to the following types of eligible applicants: 1) single not-for-profit entities, government agencies or educational institutions; 2) a partnership of public communication-type entities; or 3) partnerships of a single public communications entity and other related entities such as schools, social service agencies, libraries, museums, etc. This is a competitive process adopted by the City Council which allocates new revenues expected from increased video service provider fees. Funds are disbursed by means of a contractual process (not a grant).

The application package will be available on the city’s website at www.GoColumbiaMo.com Jan. 31 and at the City Manager’s Office, 701 E. Broadway, second floor. An application workshop will be held at 4 p.m., Feb. 24, in conference room 1A of City Hall, 701 E. Broadway.  

The funds are generated through monthly fees paid by video service providers to the city of Columbia, as authorized by city ordinance. A seven-member Public Communications Resource Advisory Committee, which was appointed by the City Council, will coordinate an open, competitive process to solicit applications and recommend funding levels to the City Council. Completed applications must be received in the City Manager’s Office by 5 p.m. on April 18. Communication services must be provided within the city’s corporate limits during the project period Oct. 1, 2011 - Dec. 31, 2012.

The application process will follow the schedule shown below.

Jan. 31, 2011 - Applications available at www.GoColumbiaMo.com

Feb. 24, 2011 - Application workshop (City Hall Conference Room 1A)   

March 11, 2011 - Deadline for submission of application for draft review

April 18, 2011 - Complete applications due by 5 p.m. to City Manager’s Office

May 5, 2011 - Application review and clarification session (Applicants invited to be present to answer committee questions)

July 5, 2011 - Letters to applicants with Advisory Committee funding recommendations and comments

July 28, 2011 - Committee’s public hearing on funding recommendations

Aug. 15 or Sept. 6, 2011 -  Funding recommendations presented to City Council for approval

November 2011 - Contracts will be presented to City Council for approval

For information about eligibility, contact the City Manager’s Office at (573) 874-7214 or e-mail Assistant City Manager Paula Hertwig Hopkins at PHHOPKIN@GoColumbiaMo.com.