What the city did.

• Council approves action involving participatory budgeting nonprofitColumbus City Council approved an action involving The Participatory Budgeting Project, Inc., a New York nonprofit that supports participatory governance and community decisions about budgets and policies. Council passed it 8-0, with Rob Dorans absent, on Oct. 26, 2026.Oct 26
• Council considers temporary construction yard at 4480 Groves RoadCivil & Environmental Consultants is seeking permission to use 7.65 acres at 4480 Groves Road as a temporary laydown yard for construction equipment and materials. The site is zoned CAC, which does not allow that use. The Greater Southeast Area Commission and city departments recommend approval. City Council read the request for the first time on Oct. 26, 2026; no final vote is recorded.Nov 2
• Council considers 90% cap on some Income Tax Set Aside spendingColumbus City Council is considering limits on the city’s Income Tax Set Aside fund. The proposed rules would create spending categories and cap certain non-personnel operating expenses at 90% of the prior year’s comparable spending. Council postponed the matter to a date certain on Oct. 26, with eight members voting yes and Rob Dorans absent.Oct 26
• Council approves matter involving active Columbus Landmarks FoundationColumbus City Council approved a matter involving the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, a Columbus nonprofit that has been active since 1977. The foundation's state business record lists an active status and an expiration date of Jan. 20, 2028. Council approved the matter Oct. 26 with eight yes votes and one absence.Oct 26
• Council approves WestBend authority for 895-apartment developmentColumbus City Council approved creation of the WestBend Community Authority, covering about 50.28 acres at McKinley Avenue and Fisher Road. The proposed mixed-use development includes about 895 apartments and up to 8,000 square feet of retail space, with community charges planned for infrastructure, utilities, maintenance and environmental work. The council approved the action Oct. 26 with eight votes in favor and one absence; Rob Dorans was absent.Oct 26
• Council approves broad authority for stormwater and development projectsColumbus City Council approved broad authority for stormwater, flood remediation, demolition, environmental cleanup, real estate acquisition, public art and related professional services. The measure passed Oct. 26 with eight votes in favor and Council member Rob Dorans absent. The source also includes an active Ohio trade-name record for Thrive Companies LLC at 842 N. 4th Street.Oct 26
• Zoning Committee approves variances for 318 apartments on Ackley PlaceColumbus Zoning Committee approved variances for Dominium’s proposed 318-unit affordable apartment community at 2125 Ackley Place. The 30.17-acre project would include ten three-story buildings, a nature trail connection to the Alum Creek greenway and a bus shelter along North Cassady Avenue. The variances allow buildings up to 38 feet tall, a 25-foot building setback and reduced south-side perimeter yards. The committee approved the variances and related findings on Oct. 26 by a 27-0 vote.Oct 26
• Council considers child care home at 100 Landers AveSarah Zinn is seeking permission to operate a Type A family child care home at 100 Landers Ave. in Far South Columbus, where she currently runs an in-home program limited to six children. The request would also reduce required parking from three spaces to one. City staff and the Far South Columbus Area Commission recommend approval, but Columbus City Council has only read the proposal for the first time.Nov 2
• Zoning panel approves 30-acre apartment proposal on Ackley PlaceDominium seeks to rezone about 30.17 acres at 2125 Ackley Place from commercial planned development to apartment residential use for a multi-unit housing project. The Northeast Area Commission recommended approval if the project uses 100% natural exterior materials. Columbus City Council’s Zoning Committee approved the rezoning 9-0 on Oct. 26, while traffic-study requirements and related variances remain pending.Oct 26
• Columbus seeks Hines Road easement for curb ramps and sidewalksColumbus is seeking a permanent easement across 0.005 acres in Turnberry Farms Section 10 along Hines Road to build and maintain curb ramps, sidewalk improvements and related features. City Council read the matter for the first time on Oct. 26, 2026; no final action is stated.Oct 26
• Council approves action involving active nonprofit Franklinton RisingThe Columbus City Council approved action involving the active nonprofit Franklinton Rising on Oct. 26, 2026. The Ohio Secretary of State record lists the organization as a Columbus-based nonprofit incorporated in 2014 and active through May 31, 2027.Oct 26
• Zoning Committee approves up to 104 apartments on Westbourne AvenueElford Development can build up to 104 apartments on about 7.9 acres at 6092 Westbourne Avenue, near Taylor Station Road. Columbus Zoning Committee approved variances allowing apartments in the current commercial zoning and permitting eight stacked parking spaces plus eight spaces in front of garage spaces. The committee also adopted staff findings and accepted the staff report as evidence, with 27 affirmative votes.Oct 26
• Variance approved to split Woodland Avenue parcel into two four-unit lotsColumbus approved a zoning variance for Fisk Properties to split the parcel at 370 and 376 Woodland Ave. into two lots, with one existing four-unit dwelling on each lot. The approval reduces required parking from six to four spaces per dwelling. The 0.40-acre site is zoned R-3, which otherwise allows only single-unit homes as the primary residential use. The Near East Area Commission and city departments recommended approval.Oct 19
• Daycare and community center approved at 1107 E. Mound StA community center and daycare can operate in the former religious facility at 1107 E. Mound St. after Columbus City Council approved a zoning variance. The approval allows educational, recreational, youth, family and other community services in the existing building and reduces required on-site parking from four spaces to zero, with an on-street loading zone for pickups and drop-offs. Council approved the variance 36-0 on Oct. 19, and the mayor signed it Oct. 21.Oct 19
• Columbus approves $60M in bonds for streets, sidewalks and refuse equipmentColumbus will issue up to $60.04 million in bonds for Public Service projects, including street, bridge, bikeway, sidewalk and refuse-collection improvements. The bonds will be repaid through an annual property-tax levy while they remain outstanding. Council approved the borrowing 9-0 on Oct. 19; the mayor signed it Oct. 21.Oct 19
• Columbus approves $89.89M in utility infrastructure bondsColumbus will issue up to $89.89 million in bonds for Department of Public Utilities projects, including water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and power infrastructure. The money will fund projects such as filter-media replacement, water-main repairs, fire-hydrant replacements, sewer rehabilitation and electric reliability improvements. Council approved the borrowing with nine affirmative votes on Oct. 19, and the mayor signed it on Oct. 21.Oct 19
• Columbus approves $5.5M in bonds for city technology upgradesColumbus approved up to $5.5 million in bonds for technology upgrades, including City Hall structured cabling, Data Center West improvements, fiber conduit and wireless infrastructure. The bonds may run up to seven years, with debt service supported by city tax collections. Council approved the measure 9-0 on Oct. 19; the mayor signed it Oct. 21.Oct 19
• Columbus approves up to $682.4M bond refinancingColumbus approved issuing up to $682.395 million in bonds to refinance some outstanding city debt and reduce related debt-service costs. The bonds will be sold through competitive or negotiated sale, with proceeds used to repay selected existing bonds and cover financing costs. The city will levy taxes as needed to pay principal and interest. Council approved the measure 9-0 on Oct. 19, and the mayor signed it Oct. 21.Oct 19
• Council approves citywide land-use and growth planning updateColumbus City Council approved a planning update that guides land use, development and public engagement across the city. The plan includes growth analysis, land-use planning, capital-improvement coordination and neighborhood development guidance, with specific attention to Downtown, the Far East and the Arena District. Council approved it unanimously, 9-0, on Oct. 19, 2026.Oct 19
• Council approves Sayee Mudholkar for an unspecified roleSayee Mudholkar was approved by Columbus City Council for an unspecified appointment or role. The 9-member council vote passed on Oct. 19, 2026; the source provides her planning and design résumé but does not identify the position.Oct 19
• Columbus approves $7.97M in bonds for municipal facility upgradesColumbus approved up to $7.97 million in bonds for municipal facility projects, including police and fire renovations, City Hall work, health facilities and other building improvements. The bonds may be sold competitively or through negotiation, with repayment supported by a debt-service tax levy and available municipal income taxes. Council approved the measure 9-0 on Oct. 19, and the mayor signed it Oct. 21.Oct 19
• Columbus approves $88.89M in bonds for safety and court projectsColumbus approved up to $88.89 million in bonds for public safety facilities, municipal court construction and related infrastructure. Funding includes $39.705 million for the Public Safety Campus, $38 million for Municipal Court construction and money for police and fire projects. The bonds will be repaid through an annual property-tax levy outside the 10-mill limitation. Council approved the measure 9-0 on Oct. 19; the mayor signed it Oct. 21.Oct 19
• Columbus approves $22.2M in bonds for development and facility projectsColumbus approved up to $22.205 million in bonds for economic and community development projects, including property acquisition and improvements, community facilities, airport work and emergency shelter repairs. The bonds will be repaid through debt-service collections, with annual taxes on city property and municipal income-tax revenue pledged for repayment. Council approved the sale on Oct. 19 with nine affirmative votes; the mayor signed it Oct. 21.Oct 19
• Columbus approves $43.71M in bonds for parks and recreation projectsColumbus will issue up to $43.71 million in bonds for Recreation and Parks projects, including pools, trails, playgrounds, parks, athletic facilities, trees and equipment. The bonds will be repaid through a property-tax levy outside the 10-mill limit, subject to reductions if other funds are available. Council approved the bond issuance 9-0 on Oct. 19, and the mayor signed it Oct. 21.Oct 19
• Safe Kids Central Ohio awarded $9,338.50 for car-seat programSafe Kids Central Ohio will receive $9,338.50 for a car-seat distribution program serving under-resourced families. The award includes $7,525 in grant funds, $1,338.50 in program materials and $475 in certification support. The group plans to distribute at least 50 car seats and hold at least two child passenger safety events.Oct 26
• Columbus approves $53.2M in bonds for affordable housing and developmentColumbus will issue up to $53.245 million in bonds for neighborhood development and affordable housing, including housing preservation, home repairs and 12 named development projects. The bonds will be repaid through an annual property-tax levy outside the 10-mill limit, with a maximum maturity of 20 years. City Council approved the plan 9-0 on Oct. 19, and the mayor signed it Oct. 21.Oct 19
• Columbus accepts 1.949 acres for proposed 52-unit Westerville Road apartmentsColumbus accepted 1.949 acres from Mifflin Township at 3269 and 3275 Westerville Road for a proposed 52-unit apartment development. Westerville Rd CHB Development LLC and 3251 Westerville Road LLC are seeking city utility connections for the site, which is currently commercial. Council approved the annexation 8-0 with one abstention from Nicholas Bankston on Oct. 19, and the mayor signed it Oct. 20. A Franklin County hearing is tentatively set for Nov. 3.Oct 19
• Columbus approves $5.8M in bonds for fleet facilitiesColumbus approved up to $5.8 million in bonds for municipal facilities used by the Division of Fleet Management. The money will fund CNG station renovations, fleet facility renovations, automated fuel upgrades and equipment replacement. Council approved the bond issue 9-0 on Oct. 19, and the mayor signed it Oct. 21.Oct 19
• Columbus approves up to $35.8M bond refinancing to reduce debt costsColumbus will issue up to $35.835 million in bonds to refinance some existing debt and lower related debt-service costs, using current market conditions. The bonds will be backed by the city's taxing authority, with annual debt-service payments supported by property and income-tax revenue. Council approved the measure 9-0 on Oct. 19; the mayor signed it Oct. 21.Oct 19
• Columbus Public Health set to receive $9,000 Minority Health Month grantColumbus Public Health will receive a $9,000 Ohio Commission on Minority Health grant for Minority Health Month activities in April 2027. The grant covers the project period through May 15, 2027, and requires public events, attendance records, satisfaction surveys and final reports. Columbus City Council read the matter for the first time on Oct. 19, 2026; no final vote is recorded.Oct 26
• Columbus approves sole-source Flygt pump parts contract through 2028Columbus approved a sole-source contract with Xylem Water Solutions USA, Inc. for genuine Flygt pump parts and authorized Flygt pump services through Nov. 30, 2028. Xylem says it is the original equipment manufacturer and the only source for parts certified to work with the city's existing Flygt equipment. Council approved the contract Oct. 19 on a 9-0 vote.Oct 19
• Motorola says it is sole source for police records maintenanceMotorola Solutions says it is the only vendor able to maintain Columbus' PremierOne Records infrastructure because the system uses proprietary software and source code that other vendors cannot access. Columbus City Council read the matter for the first time on Oct. 19, 2026.Oct 26
• Columbus approves $146,176 DocuSign subscriptionColumbus Technology plans to buy a one-year DocuSign subscription through Brown Enterprise Solutions for $146,176.30. The package includes 25,000 eSignature envelopes, 1,000 Advanced Web Forms uses per month and enterprise support from Nov. 1, 2026, through Oct. 31, 2027. City Council approved the purchase 9-0 on Oct. 5; the acting mayor signed it Oct. 6.Oct 5
• Municipal Court signs $749,121 in recovery foundation grantsFranklin County Municipal Court has signed agreements for two OneOhio Recovery Foundation grants totaling $749,121. The grants run from October 5, 2026, through October 4, 2028, and support on-site recovery and justice innovation, plus expanded diagnostic capacity for judicial accountability and equity.Oct 19
• Columbus plans $583,764 NEOGOV hiring software subscriptionColumbus plans a three-year NEOGOV subscription for its citywide hiring and recruiting systems, beginning Jan. 1, 2025. The order totals $583,764.27 and includes applicant tracking, testing, candidate text messaging, pre-employment integration and recruiting tools. The source does not show whether the order was approved or signed.Oct 19
• Columbus plans $88.8 million in 2026 property tax leviesColumbus plans to levy $88.81 million in property taxes for tax year 2026, collected in 2027, after accepting rates certified by the Franklin County Budget Commission. The schedule includes $71.58 million for the general fund, $8.61 million for police pensions and $8.61 million for fire pensions. Council must adopt the measure and certify it to the county auditor; the source does not record a vote or adoption date.Oct 19
• Columbus Water & Power billed $63,065 for FY 2027 NACWA duesColumbus Water & Power is being billed $63,065 for National Association of Clean Water Agencies membership covering fiscal 2027. The invoice covers Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027, and says 7% of the payment will support lobbying.Oct 19
• Columbus approves seven temporary easements for Mt. Vernon safety workColumbus will use temporary easements on seven privately owned or institutional parcels along Mount Vernon Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to build and grade sidewalks, driveways and related improvements for the FRA-SRTS Mt. Vernon project. The easements cover about 0.164 acres and affect property held by Rosemarie B. Keidel, MVP II 2018 L.L.C., Ohio State University, Shiloh Grove Limited Partnership, Kathy Steward, CB23 Homes LLC and trustees for The Church of God in Christ. City Council approved the easements May 19 by an 8-0 vote, with Lourdes Barroso De Padilla absent.May 19
• Columbus approves up to $4 million for cybersecurity responseColumbus approved up to $4 million for Dinsmore & Shohl and cybersecurity subcontractors to help respond to and recover from the city’s July 18, 2024 cybersecurity incident. The money comes from the Income Tax Set Aside Fund and Technology Bond Fund. Council approved the emergency action 9-0 on Oct. 7, 2024; the mayor signed it Oct. 9.Oct 7
• Columbus approves $935,000 biosolids-processing contractColumbus approved a $935,000 contract for an organic-waste facility to process sewage sludge and biosolids from the city's water reclamation plants. The facility may receive about 25,000 wet tons a year, though the city does not guarantee that amount or a minimum payment. Council approved the contract 8-0, with Emmanuel V. Remy absent.Oct 27
• 4970 Lindora Drive rezoned for 20-unit apartment buildingA 0.92-acre parcel at 4970 Lindora Drive was rezoned from C-4 commercial to L-AR-1 limited apartment residential for a proposed 20-unit apartment building. Tijen Incorporated, LLC requested the change; city staff recommended approval, while the Greater South East Area Commission recommended disapproval. Columbus City Council approved the rezoning through the Zoning Committee with an 8-1 vote.Nov 24
• Police to buy nine forensic software subscriptions for $87,806Columbus City Council approved a $87,805.58 purchase from Versaterm Public Safety US, Inc. for nine one-year subscriptions to LIMS-plus forensic case-management software for the Columbus Division of Police. The council approved it 8-0, with Nicholas Bankston absent, on Dec. 8, 2025; the mayor signed it Dec. 9.Dec 8
• Council approves $971,748 in fundingColumbus City Council approved $971,748 in funding on March 30, 2026. The source also lists active Ohio business registrations for Columbus Downtown Development Corporation, The Center for Family Safety and Healing, YDT Sinclair Road LLC and Integrated-Fairfield Holdings, LLC. Council approved the funding 8-0, with Christopher Wyche absent; the acting mayor signed it April 2.Mar 30
• Columbus extends biosolids disposal contract and adds $3.2 millionColumbus will extend its biosolids-disposal contract through July 31, 2027, and add $3.2 million in funding. The work sends Class B biosolids to Ohio Environmental Protection Agency-approved deep-row hybrid poplar or other rapid-growth tree farms. Ohio Mulch Supply and Quasar Energy Group facilities were the listed bidders. City Council approved the renewal April 27, 2026, by an 8-0 vote, with Council Member Rob Dorans absent.Apr 27
• Water Division to buy 20 solar-powered arrow boardsThe Division of Water will buy and receive 20 solar-powered, trailer-mounted arrow boards from Peterson Highway Safety Inc. after accepting specification exceptions in the second-lowest bid. Six vendors submitted bids after 83 were solicited; staff rejected the low bid because the equipment did not meet required specifications and raised safety concerns. City Council approved the purchase on May 18, 2026, with seven votes in favor and two members absent.May 18
• Rezoning sought for multi-unit housing on 11.49 acres at Demorest RoadKittle Property Group is seeking to rezone about 11.49 acres at 2345 Demorest Road from Rural to Limited Apartment Residential for a multi-unit housing development. The proposal includes limits on uses and unit count, site-access and landscaping standards, and a commitment to follow the submitted site plan. City departments recommend approval, while the Westland Area Commission recommends disapproval. Council referred the request to committee on June 29 after a 9-0 vote; it has not received final approval.Oct 19
• Council refers $87.4M bond plan for roads, sidewalks and refuse equipmentColumbus City Council referred a plan to issue up to $87.435 million in bonds for Public Service infrastructure, including roads, bridges, sidewalks, bikeways, refuse equipment and related property improvements. The bonds would be repaid through an annual property-tax levy outside the 10-mill limit, although the levy could be reduced if other funds are available. The plan allocates money across dozens of projects, including $16.5 million for LinkUS, $10 million for Capital Line on Gay Street and $5.035 million for mechanized collection equipment. Council referred it to committee June 29 with nine affirmative votes.Jun 29
• Council refers $23.9M bond plan for development and city projectsColumbus City Council referred a plan for up to $23.915 million in limited-tax bonds to support economic and community development. The money would fund property purchases and improvements, grants, airport improvements, shelter repairs and 10 other listed projects. Council referred the measure to committee on June 29, 2026, with 9 members voting yes; the bond sale and final terms are not yet decided.Jun 29
• Council refers up to $35.8M plan to refinance city debtColumbus City Council referred a plan to issue up to $35.835 million in bonds to refinance some existing city debt and reduce related debt-service costs. The bonds could be sold through a competitive or negotiated sale, with interest capped at 6%. The city would use bond proceeds and other available funds to pay off the selected debt and financing costs. Council referred the measure to committee on June 29, 2026, by a 9-0 vote.Jun 29
• Columbus Fire gets $12,500 hazardous materials training grantColumbus Fire Department will receive a $12,500 hazardous materials training and planning grant from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. PUCO awarded $800,000 to 43 applicants after receiving 52 requests totaling more than $1.8 million. Grants are reimbursed after approved training is completed. Columbus City Council approved its related action 9-0 on Oct. 5, 2026.Oct 5