Greetings, Columbus!

It has been wonderful getting out and about to meet with folks and enjoy the summer weather. I’ve loved seeing the return of Columbus’ signature summer events such as Red, White & BOOM!, the Jazz & Rib Festival and catching Sheryl Crow at one of the free concerts on the Columbus Commons. Thankfully, summer is not over yet, and there is still plenty of fun to be had. Check out Rise Up CBUS! at Franklin Park on Aug. 11 to enjoy live music and food while learning more about Opportunity Rising, our city’s roadmap for empowering every resident to grow and prosper equitably. Festival Latino returns Aug. 13 to Genoa Park, where you can immerse yourself in fantastic music, food, dance and more. And, also this Saturday, you can participate in the African American Male Wellness Walk, a wonderful initiative dedicated to improving the physical and mental health of Black men. I look forward to seeing my fellow neighbors out at these events!

Sincerely,

Mayor Andy Ginther

Community Sports Park Coming Soon

Last month, we announced a new community sports park at Kilbourne Run in collaboration with the Columbus Crew. This 69-acres of fields and facilities will expand youth access to soccer and other sports, and position Columbus as a premier destination for regional tournaments. The new, enhanced sports park will include:

• 10 to 12 fields, including at least six “mini-pitches”
• At least three synthetic turf fields
• At least six irrigated natural turf fields
• A “Championship” field with lights, stands and a fieldhouse

But that’s not all. We’ve listened to what our residents had to say and, just three miles from the Historic Crew Stadium, we’ll be investing in a 12-court Pickleball tournament site at Mock Park. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S., and I am thrilled to see Columbus growing as a renowned pickleball destination. 

Creating More Convenient and Reliable Access to EV Charging

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the City of Columbus will require all newly developed parking lots and structures to include EV charging stations. As reflected by this announcement, in addition to the breadth and depth of our city’s Climate Action Plan, we are committed to expanding equitable access to EV charging for Columbus electric vehicle drivers while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a healthier, cleaner environment for future generations.

Congratulations to the 137th Police Recruit Class

In July, I was honored to celebrate the graduates of the 137th Police Recruit Class, which will add 52 new officers to the Columbus Division of Police. I am especially proud that 40% of our recruits come from segments of the community that have been historically underrepresented or excluded from law enforcement. We are encouraged by the progress we are making to strengthen diversity and inclusion throughout our public safety forces, and we are forever grateful to the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve and protect our residents.

Upcoming $1.5 Billion Bond Package to Increase Affordable Housing in Columbus

Affordable housing is one of our city’s greatest challenges – but it is also one of our greatest opportunities. Access to safe, affordable housing is critical to a thriving, equitable economy, and no resident should have to pay more than 30% of their monthly income to live in the neighborhood of their choice. That is why the City of Columbus will ask voters this November to approve a $1.5 billion bond package supporting several capital improvements that will improve the vitality of our neighborhoods and enhance city services, including $200 million to increase our supply of affordable housing. A bond package makes projects of this size and scale both practically possible and financially feasible. What’s more, it’ll save the city tens of millions of dollars by lowering the cost of borrowing – and all without raising your taxes. That’s a win-win-win for our community.