There’s still time to share your input on how Columbus should invest housing bond funds. Council is asking residents to weigh in through a short, anonymous survey before it closes Friday. Your feedback will help shape future housing and neighborhood investments: tinyurl.com/48s7xde6

Join us Friday, for the West Side Coffee & Conversation Series: Utility Discounts — Know Your Options. Do you have questions about your utility bill or available discount programs? Hear from experts with Columbus Water and Power, AEP and Columbia Gas. Register here: tinyurl.com/2k3uh5bj

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the history, culture and contributions of those who have shaped our city and our nation. Join Council as we celebrate at our annual Black History Month Celebration and Poindexter Award Ceremony. RSVP today: columbus.gov/bhmawards

As the winter weather continues, Council is partnering with Columbus City Schools and the YWCA Family Center to provide families a fun activity for their children while schools remain closed.

Council is now accepting applications for our Summer 2026 internship cohort! This paid opportunity is open to college juniors, seniors and first-year grad students looking to gain real experience in city government. Apply by February 25: columbus.gov/councilinternship

Because of severe winter weather, the Public Utilities and Sustainability Budget Hearing scheduled for Wednesday, January 28 at 3:30 p.m. will be conducted virtually. Residents can watch the hearing live on YouTube or Facebook.

Council has adopted the Columbus Growth Strategy, a long-term framework for land use and development across Columbus. The plan will guide growth while prioritizing housing, economic opportunity and neighborhood vitality.

Council approved a resolution sponsored by Councilmember @christopherwyche.bsky.social urging the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to reject proposed utility rate increases and protect residents from rising electricity costs. Read more: conta.cc/4jYfYrY

Because of severe winter weather, the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Budget Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 3 p.m. will be conducted virtually. Residents can watch the hearing live on YouTube or Facebook.

Monday's Columbus City Council meetings will be moved virtual due to extreme weather. Members of the public who wish to speak or testify, can sign up using the standard online form that becomes available on Mondays at this link: tinyurl.com/vym77zxk

Columbus voters approved historic investments in affordable housing and neighborhood development. Now, Council wants to hear from you. Share your thoughts on how housing bond funds should be invested by taking our short, anonymous survey: tinyurl.com/48s7xde6

Councilmember Nancy Day-Achauer will host a Neighborhoods, Recreation and Parks Committee hearing on the Proposed Operating Budget. The hearing will include presentations from the Department of Neighborhoods and the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.

Councilmember Christopher L. Wyche will host an Operating Budget Hearing focused on Public Utilities and Sustainability. The hearing will include discussion of the Mayor’s proposed 2026 Operating Budget, with presentations from City departments.

Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy will host an Operating Budget Hearing on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, featuring presentations from the Department of Public Safety, City Attorney’s Office, Office of Violence Prevention, Office of the Inspector General, and Municipal Court.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recommit ourselves, as a city, to the ongoing work of justice, equity and service.

Wishing Councilmember Nancy Day-Achauer a happy birthday and thanking her for the work she does to strengthen neighborhoods and quality of life across Columbus.

We had a phenomenal time at our first Grounds for Connection! Thank you to all the community members that attended. We look forward to hosting the next one in February, so stay tuned for a future post with more details.

President Pro Tem Rob Dorans will host an Operating Budget Hearing for the Workforce, Education and Labor Committee next week, featuring presentations from the Office of Education, Columbus Civil Service Commission and Department of Human Resources.

Save the date: Join Columbus City Council on Feb. 24 as we host our annual Black History Month Celebration and Poindexter Awards Ceremony, featuring keynote remarks from Columbus native and acclaimed author and journalist Wil Haygood.

Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla will host an upcoming public hearing on the Mayor’s proposed 2026 Operating Budget focused on Public Service and Transportation.

A statement from Columbus City Council President @shannonhardin.bsky.social in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement ending Temporary Protected Status for Somali residents in the U.S.

Council approved a $2 million amendment for the Columbus Promise. As Council President @shannonhardin.bsky.social said, “A promise means certainty.” Applications for the next cohort are now open.

Council approved legislation from President Pro Tem Rob Dorans creating a city-funded early-education pilot to support kinship care families after adoption, helping ensure stable, long-term care once other support ends.

Happy birthday to Councilmember @christopherwyche.bsky.social. Thank you for the work you do to keep Columbus moving toward a more sustainable future.

A statement from Council President @shannonhardin.bsky.social on the Weinland Park case following an arrest and charges being filed.

Councilmember Nick Bankston will hold a public hearing to discuss the Mayor’s proposed 2026 Operating Budget focused on Economic Development and Small and Minority Business. The hearing will include presentations from the Department of Development and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Council thanks the members of the Columbus Division of Police for their service and commitment to public safety. We recognize the dedication it takes to serve our community and the important role officers and civilian staff play in keeping Columbus safe.

Councilmember Melissa Green will host a public hearing of the Health, Human Services, and Equity Committee to discuss the Mayor’s proposed 2026 Operating Budget, including presentations from the Department of Development, Columbus Public Health, and CelebrateOne.

Join Council President Shannon Hardin and Councilmember Tiara Ross for a public hearing of the Housing, Homelessness and Building Committee on the Mayor’s proposed 2026 Operating Budget, including presentations from the Departments of Development and Building and Zoning Services.

Your Council and the Department of Neighborhoods liaisons welcome you to the first Grounds for Connection, a monthly open office hours session where north central Columbus residents can connect one-on-one with their liaisons. This month’s special guest is Councilmember Tiara Ross.

As we head into the new year, warming centers remain open across Columbus. Please share to help neighbors stay warm. If you or someone you know is in need of shelter, please call the homeless hotline: 614-274-7000.

A new year full of possibility. We’re proud to serve a city that believes in community, opportunity and looking out for one another. Here’s to everything ahead in 2026.

A reminder that warming centers remain open across Columbus. We’ve updated our list to include a new location on the West Side. See the list below. If you or someone you know is in need of shelter, please call the homeless hotline: 614-274-7000.

This season is about taking stock of what we’ve built together and the people who make our city what it is. Council President @shannonhardin.bsky.social shares a Christmas message of thanks and well wishes for the year ahead.

A North Linden church has long been serving its community through climate resilience efforts. Recently, @christopherwyche.bsky.social and Council approved funding to help strengthen that work and ensure neighbors have support during extreme weather. Read more: www.dispatch.com/story/news/l...

Can’t make it to a food pantry or market yourself? You can send someone you trust to pick up food for you. All Mid-Ohio Food Collective partner agencies allow proxy pickup. Just complete the Letter of Proxy form and have a family member, neighbor or friend pick up food on your behalf.

Today, we celebrated the graduation of our newest EDGE cohort. Council President @shannonhardin.bsky.social spoke with a class valedictorian to reflect on the journey, the work ahead and what’s possible when opportunity meets determination.

In a milestone moment for Columbus, Council appointed 13 members to the city’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission, created to strengthen representation, advance inclusion and elevate LGBTQ+ voices in city government. Release: conta.cc/4rRks7m

Tonight marks the first night of Hanukkah. Sending warm wishes to everyone who celebrates for a meaningful start to the holiday.

Extreme cold is expected this weekend, with potential snow in the forecast. No one should have to face it alone. Warming centers and shelters across Columbus are open to provide a safe place to stay warm. See the graphic for locations.

As the City works to expand safe, reliable warming options, Council President Shannon Hardin joined the founder of 3rd Shift Warming & Cooling Center to highlight the grassroots work keeping residents safe. Visit 3rdShiftWCC.org for resources or ways to support.

Council will open its series of public hearings on the Mayor’s proposed 2026 Operating Budget with a session focused on Finance and Governance. This first hearing will review the budgets for Finance and Management, the Auditor, the Treasurer, the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Technology.

Council will host a hearing to provide an update on the City’s approach to alternative crisis response and to share findings and recommendations from Mission Critical Partners, the outside consultant reviewing the City’s programs. Officials from Public Safety and Public Health will also participate.

Council, led by Councilmember Christopher L. Wyche, approved a code change to boost utility affordability for tenants. The measure adds billing transparency, caps fees and ensures apartment residents pay the rate charged by the utility provider.

Council and the Mayor stood with Somali leaders today to send a united message: Columbus stands with its Somali community. With 60,000+ Somali residents and 500+ Somali businesses, their contributions are vital — and their safety and dignity remain our priority.

Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy will host two hearings next Tuesday. The first will review liquor license objections from the City Attorney’s office. Then, Council will discuss potential updates to the City’s short-term rental ordinances and procedures as part of his Columbus Forward initiative.

Councilmember Otto Beatty hosted a Lunch & Learn with national infill development expert Jim Heid, bringing together community partners to explore “Building Small” principles and real-world approaches to thoughtful, people-focused development.

Wishing Columbus a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Today we’re grateful for the first responders and city workers who spend the holiday serving our neighborhoods. As you cook and celebrate, remember to keep safety in mind in the kitchen and at home.

Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla will host a Dec. 2 hearing on proposed parking updates focusing on safety and mobility, extending the payment window and creating tiered fines to encourage timely payment.