Columbus City Council Meeting Summary - January 5, 2026
Columbus City Council Meeting - January 5, 2026
The Columbus City Council convened its second regular meeting of 2026 to address critical budgeting matters regarding the Columbus Promise, review the Columbus Growth Strategy (Ordinance 134-2026) for first reading, and process multiple ordinances related to infrastructure, public safety, and sustainability. The meeting featured significant deliberation on land use planning, with area commissions expressing varied levels of concern regarding community engagement and the shift from neighborhood-specific plans to a holistic citywide strategy.
Consent Calendar
- Ordinances Approved: 140-2026 (Finance), 3304-2025, 3361-2025, 3378-2025 (Workforce), 3399-2025 (Health/Human Services), 3197/3437-2025 (Public Safety), 48/49/62/65-2026 (Housing), 2897/3303-2025 (Utilities), and various appointment resolutions (A08-13, 180-184). Councilmember Daye abstained from 3304-2025.
- Motion: Passed unanimously (except Councilmember Daye's abstention) to approve the consent agenda items.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Nate Wilkins (Resident): Expressed strong support for the Columbus Growth Strategy and the vision of growing the Cleveland Avenue/Linden area, specifically calling for high-density retail, restaurants, housing, and improved accessibility to job and family services via the bus line. He advocated against lowering density for high-rises and noted the need for grocery stores in the area.
- Ben Keith (Zoning Committee Chair, North London Area Commission): Expressed general support for the strategy but voiced concern that specific requests were ignored. He highlighted opposition to the removal of the principle requiring high-intensity uses to minimize impacts on adjacent lower-intensity uses. He requested amendments to include a 60-day review period for significant developments, a density increase in a specific zone near the Ohio State Fairgrounds, and tighter noise/light pollution guidelines.
- Michael Wyman (Commissioner, Clintonville Area Commission): Expressed strong opposition to Ordinance 134-2026. He argued the Columbus Growth Strategy is a "cookie-cutter" approach that unfairly supersedes the locally developed Clintonville Area Plan without adequate consideration of community nuance or sufficient time for review. He noted the plan was dropped on the commission with an ultimatum response window and expressed disappointment over the lack of tree and green space conservation policies.
- Louis Teba (Columbus Growth Strategy Lead) & Director Stevens (Department of Development): Responded to the comments by defending the process and asserting that over 80 presentations, 28 pop-up events, and 65-75% support in surveys indicate robust engagement. They stated that while they acknowledge the feedback, the shift to a holistic, citywide land use map is intended to create equity and predictability compared to outdated, disparate neighborhood plans (some 30 years old). They clarified that area plans are not being eliminated but will be superseded only by land use map conflicts, and that detailed zoning (the "nitty-gritty") will follow in a subsequent 2026 phase with further community engagement.
Discussion Items
- Columbus Growth Strategy (Ordinance 134-2026): Council engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the transition from neighborhood-specific plans to a comprehensive citywide land use strategy. Councilmember Banks clarified that the Linden, Hilltop, and Eastland plans are comprehensive transformation plans focusing on social determinants and economic development rather than traditional land use, and thus will not be superseded by the new land use map. Council President Harden and others emphasized the need for meaningful two-way dialogue, acknowledging that while the current draft received significant survey data, the timeline and feedback incorporation need to remain a focus for the upcoming zoning phase.
- 2026 Operating Budget: The Council held a special amendment to Ordinance 2938-2025 (General Fund Budget) to allocate $2 million to the "Columbus Promise" program. Councilmembers Bankston and Harden argued this was necessary to provide certainty to students and families during the critical FAFSA and college application window, reaffirming the city's commitment to nearly 1,300 scholars. Councilmember Ross de Padilla emphasized the urgency of this funding for first-generation college students.
- Infrastructure & Safety: Discussed the North Market Fire Alarm Upgrade ($477,300) and the State Route 161 Phase Two project (acquiring 20-21 properties for roundabouts). Councilmember Dorns questioned the North Market maintenance costs given prior assertions that the Merchant Tower would cover them; Director Stevens clarified the maintenance fund is contingent on the hotel's completion and tax revenue generation, which is expected in 2027.
- Recognition: Councilmember De Akauri honored outgoing Human Resources Director Chris Moses for his service. The Council also recognized Councilmember Weish's birthday.
Key Outcomes
- Ordinance 134-2026 (Columbus Growth Strategy): No vote taken; the ordinance was held for first reading to allow for continued deliberation before a final vote.
- Ordinance 2938-2025 (General Fund Budget): Amended to include $2 million for the Columbus Promise and referred back to the Finance and Governance Committee as amended.
- Ordinances 2939-2025 & 2940-2025 (Other Funds): Postponed to the January 26, 2026, council meeting due to their non-controversial nature and budgetary efficiency.
- Ordinance 3410-2025 (North Market Fire Alarm): Passed.
- Public Service Ordinances: Ordinance 3308-2025 (Roadway Maintenance), 3455-2025 (Mount Vernon Avenue), and 3497-2025 (State Route 161 Roundabouts) passed.
- Housing Ordinances: Ordinance 0066-2026 (Resilient Housing Initiative software contract) passed.
- Public Utilities Ordinances: Ordinance 3196-2025 (Water Contract), 3242-2025 (Food Waste Truck), 3291-2025 (Water Line Inspection), 3334-2025 (Water Line Construction), and 3352-2025 (Water Line Inspection) all passed.
- MOK Day: Council confirmed they will attend the MLK Day march and program scheduled for the following Monday, January 19, 2026, to ensure a presence for the community event.
Meeting Transcript
Regular meeting number two will now come to order. Please stand for the playing of the national anthem. Councilmember Ross, would you lead us in the pledge? Is applied of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands when a nation under God. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. This evening, Council is grateful to have Pastor Dale Tucker from Tri Stone Missionary Baptist Church here to lead us in prayer. Welcome back to Council, sir. Spower heads, God, we are so grateful and thankful for this day, a day we've never seen and a day we won't see again. We have so much to be thankful for. And we are grateful that you have given us a reasonable portion of health, life, and strength. We pray now, God, as we prepare for city business, that you will bless not only the residents of the city of Columbus, but you will bless the city council as they move us forward and continue to uh seek ways for justice, support, and freedom for all that make up this great city. You told us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask for it. And you said in all our ways to acknowledge you, and you will direct our path. So lead us on tonight. Guide the conversation. Allow us to find decisions and solutions that will not only honor you but make this city what you have called it to be. We are grateful again for all that you've done in our place to make an impact. And the Lord, we pray. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Pastor. Clerk, please call the role. Banks Timber Rosa de Padilla, De Akawa Dorne screen, Remy Ross Weiss, President Harden. Any person who takes any action to obstruct or interfere with the conduct of tonight's meeting may be charged with disturbing a lawful meeting pursuant to Columbus City Code 2317.12. Any person who enters those areas of city council chambers reserved for city officials or invited guests may be charged with criminal trespass pursuance of Columbus City Code 2311.21. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Can I get a motion to spend the reading of the journal? Clerk, please call the roll. Banks Tim Barosa de Padilla, De Akawer Dorn screen, Remy Ross Weiss, President Harden. Are there any additions or corrections to the journal? Hearing none, the journal is approved. This week's communications perceived by the city clerk's office are listed on the agenda and we published in the city bulletin. Are there any other communications we read into the record? Not at this time. Thank you, Madam Clerk. We'll go around the dais for updates and resolutions from uh my colleagues, starting with Councilmember Bankston. Thank you, uh President Hard and just a couple of announcements uh regarding um the upcoming budget and the hearing schedule. Uh this month council will hold eight separate hearings uh to hear presentations and deliberate and deliberate on the city's 2026 operating budget. Each hearing will take place here, uh right in council chambers and will touch on the individual budgets of the city's many departments, divisions, and offices. The hearing dates and themes uh and council office leads for each hearing are as follows. Uh the housing homelessness and building budget hearing will be co-chaired by Council President Harden and Councilmember Ross, and that will take place this Wednesday, January 14th at 5 30 p.m. The Health Human Services and Equity Budget Hearing chaired by Councilmember Green will take place this Thursday, January 15th at 4 p.m. The economic development and small and minority business uh budget hearing chaired by myself will take place this Friday, January 16th at 1 p.m. The public service and transportation budget hearing chaired by Councilmember Barroso de Padilla will take place on January 21st at 4 p.m. The workforce education and labor budget hearing chaired by President Pro Tim Dorns will take place on January 22nd at 1 p.m. Uh the public safety and criminal justice budget hearing chaired by council member Remy will take place on January 27th at 3 p.m. The public utilities and sustainability budget hearing chaired by councilmember Weich will take place on January 28th at 3 30 p.m. And last but certainly not least the neighborhoods recreation and parks budget hearing chaired by councilmember Daygauer will take place on January 29th at 1 p.m. I know that was a lot, uh, but all of that can be found on our different council social pages as well as council website. So be on the lookout for those.
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