City Council - 2026-01-26
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Columbus City Council adopted the Columbus Growth Strategy, a major land use policy update that will guide the next phase of zoning modernization (Zone In) to address housing affordability and sustainable development. The council also approved the city's 2026 other funds and selected other funds budget appropriations, and passed a resolution urging the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to protect residents from rising AEP electricity rates. Multiple resolutions were postponed due to the ongoing snow emergency that brought 10-14 inches of snow to the city.
Key Decisions (19)
Columbus Growth Strategy Adoption
Council adopted ordinance 0134-2026, the Columbus Growth Strategy as an amendment to citywide planning policies. The strategy establishes the city's first citywide land use policy and map, providing framework for Zone In phase 2 zoning modernization. Over 19,000 changes were made based on public input including 3,000+ survey responses and 75 presentations to area commissions.
2026 Other Funds Budget Appropriation
Council approved ordinance 2939-2025 establishing budget appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for funds other than the general fund, including mobility enterprise fund, development services fund, and other special revenue funds.
2026 Selected Other Funds Budget Appropriation
Council approved ordinance 2940-2025 establishing budget appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for selected other funds including debt services fund, tax incentive funds, and hotel/motel tax funds.
Experience Columbus Destination Marketing Contract
Council approved ordinance 0234-2026 authorizing $4,136,000 contract with Greater Columbus Convention and Visitor Bureau (Experience Columbus) for destination marketing services using hotel/motel excise tax funds.
PUCO Resolution on AEP Rate Increases
Council passed resolution 0018x-2026 urging the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to implement no rate increases in 2026 for AEP Ohio, extend disconnection protections, expand summer assistance programs, and study data center impacts on residential rates. Ohio Consumers Council estimates consumers could pay an additional $30.51 per month under proposed rate increases.
Core Five Industrial Partners Enterprise Zone Agreement - Building 1
Council approved ordinance 3305-2025 for 75% tax abatement for 10 years for C5 Columbus SW Building 1 LLC at 5192 Alkiyah Road. Investment of $31,260,600 for 469,200 square feet class A industrial facility with 48 new jobs and $2,112,000 annual payroll. Southwestern City School District to receive additional $1,786,670 over abatement term.
Core Five Industrial Partners Enterprise Zone Agreement - Building 2
Council approved ordinance 3306-2025 for 75% tax abatement for 10 years for C5 Columbus SW Building 2 LLC at 5192 Alkiyah Road. Investment of $15,724,800 for 249,600 square feet class A industrial facility with 25 new jobs and $1,100,000 annual payroll.
Quick Build Toolkit Materials Purchase
Council approved ordinance 3133-2025 authorizing $357,038 from Federal Transportation Grant Fund for purchase of water barriers, cones, and traffic barrels for tactical urbanism/quick build safety improvements on high injury network locations.
Blossomfield Boulevard Roadway Improvements
Council approved ordinance 0036-2026 for $3,312,787.59 contract with Shelley and Sands Inc for Blossomfield Boulevard improvements including roundabout at Blossomfield/Granite Point/Westbourne intersection, shared use path, and sidewalk. Location is on Vision Zero high injury network.
Roof Replacement Program Contract
Council approved ordinance 0056-2026 authorizing $350,000 contract with Man Roofing and Construction LLC for Division of Housing's roof replacement program using affordable housing taxable bond funds. Competitive bidding waived to expedite repairs.
Water Treatment Chemicals Purchase
Council approved ordinance 31-2026 authorizing $30,400,000 from water operating fund for purchase of water treatment chemicals for Division of Water.
Council Summer Recess Calendar Change
Council approved ordinance 0064-2026 amending Columbus City Code section 111.01 to allow flexibility in determining summer recess period. Will pilot moving recess from August to July for 2026 legislative year.
Ryan Pitts Police Settlement
Council approved ordinance 3467-2025 authorizing $30,000 settlement in Ryan Pitts v. Emily Greer et al lawsuit involving civil rights violations from traffic stop. Department of Inspector General found officers committed policy violations.
Franklin County Municipal Court Special Funds Appropriation
Council approved ordinance 0020-2026 appropriating $4,921,832.27 from 2026 unappropriated balance of Franklin County Municipal Court Special Funds including Security Fund, Dispute Resolution Fund, and Specialized Dockets Fund.
Municipal Motor Vehicle License Tax Fund Appropriation
Council approved ordinance 0097-2026 appropriating $8,250,000 from municipal motor vehicle license tax fund for Department of Public Service divisions of infrastructure management and traffic management.
Convention Facility Authority Debt Backstop
Council approved ordinance 0028-2026 transferring $10,988,166 within debt retirement fund and appropriating $1,400,000 as fiscal backstop for Franklin County Convention Facility Authority in event they cannot meet debt obligations.
Columbus Underground 25th Anniversary Resolution
Resolution recognizing 25th anniversary of Columbus Underground postponed to February 9 due to virtual meeting format during snow emergency.
Dwayne Casarez Retirement Recognition
Resolution honoring Dwayne Casarez on retirement from Directions for Youth and Family after 33 years postponed to February 9 due to virtual meeting.
Judge James Edward Green Retirement Recognition
Resolution honoring Judge James Edward Green on retirement from Franklin County Municipal Court postponed to February 9 due to inclement weather.
Zoning Changes (2)
4716 16th Avenue, Southeast Corner of 16th Avenue and North Pearl Street
Not specified
4901 Central College Road, South Side of Central College Road
Not specified
Development Activity (4)
C5 Columbus SW Building 1
469,200 square feet class A proactive industrial facility on vacant greenfield site; $31,260,600 investment; 48 new full-time positions; $2,112,000 annual payroll
C5 Columbus SW Building 2
249,600 square feet class A proactive industrial facility on vacant greenfield site; $15,724,800 investment; 25 new full-time positions; $1,100,000 annual payroll
Blossomfield Boulevard Improvements
Roundabout at Blossomfield/Granite Point/Westbourne intersection; shared use path on east side; sidewalk on west side; street lights and pavement improvements; $3,312,787.59 contract
4716 16th Avenue Rezoning
2.49 acres rezoned from CPD to UCR Urban Core District for high intensity mixed use development; first applicant-led opt-in rezoning under Zone In
Market Signals (6)
Housing Demand
Columbus Growth Strategy identifies need for 88,000+ new housing units over next decade, with Zone In phase 1 already unlocking potential on 140 miles of primary corridors.
Commercial Demand
Core Five Industrial Partners investing $47 million in two speculative class A industrial facilities totaling 718,800 square feet, indicating strong industrial demand in Columbus market.
Infrastructure
City investing in tactical urbanism/quick build toolkit to accelerate pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements while longer-term infrastructure projects are planned.
Sentiment
Affordable Housing Alliance and multiple community groups expressed strong support for Columbus Growth Strategy, while some Northwest Columbus residents oppose zoning changes citing displacement concerns.
Housing Demand
City has highest eviction rate in nation with 22,781 eviction filings in 2025, more than New York City, indicating severe housing affordability pressures.
Other
Data centers identified as significant factor in rising utility costs; council urging study of how large load developments affect residential electricity rates.