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Greetings Columbus,
While I’m always one to look to the future, I’m grateful that this New Year’s Eve presents an opportunity to pause and reflect on moments that shaped our community in 2024. Following are some of the City of Columbus’ contributions and collaborations that I’m particularly proud of, because they have served to make Columbus residents more prosperous, happy and safe.
Although 2024 brought unique challenges, we’ve consistently embraced collaboration and innovation to rise to the occasion while remaining dedicated to the important work of building a brighter, more prosperous future for a growing city.
I want to thank all of you – the people of Columbus – for your grit, resilience and compassion for your fellow neighbors. Whether we’re championing for overdue policy reform or lending a hand to a neighbor in need, we’re stronger when we band together, and I remain confident that we have what it takes to continue to thrive and persevere, no matter what comes our way.
I wish you a happy New Year and a safe and prosperous 2025.
Sincerely,
Mayor Andy Ginther
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We made history by approving the first comprehensive changes to the city’s zoning code in more than 70 years. This plan will enable us to build more housing, at every price point, along Columbus’ key corridors – up to 88,000 new homes over the next 10 years. That is a significant increase from the 6,000 units we could have anticipated on those same streets, had we not taken action on zoning. And while this represents nearly half of the regional housing need, we will continue to enlist our suburban partners to contribute to this collective effort, and ensure that housing is accessible to everyone who calls Central Ohio home.
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In November, our residents went to the ballot box and set LinkUS into motion. Now, COTA's plan for 500+ miles of more bikeways, greenways and sidewalks is taking shape. LinkUS will also facilitate easier, faster, safer and more convenient transportation options across Central Ohio. These enhancements will improve lives in ways that are both tangible and meaningful, spurring new development, reducing household transportation costs, and better connecting our residents with the resources they need in order to succeed.
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This year, we invested almost $21 million to support summer programming for Columbus youth. These initiatives aim to keep kids safe, active and engaged by promoting academic achievement, career-readiness skills, and non-violent conflict resolution, all of which empower youth to learn, grow and develop during the summer months and beyond.
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This summer, I unveiled my $1.99 billion capital budget, which includes funding for crime-fighting tools, technologies and facilities; projects to expand the city’s affordable housing stock; new and renovated fire stations; new and improved parks, pools and community centers; resurfaced roadways; essential city utilities and so much more. This budget demonstrates our ongoing commitment to strengthening community safety, affordable housing, and transit and utility infrastructure as our region grows in impact and influence.
Last month, I presented my proposed 2025 operating budget of $1.23 billion. This plan advances neighborhood safety, housing and transportation by continuing proven investments and pursuing new opportunities to innovate and strengthen our support for every resident in every Columbus neighborhood.
In November, I joined regional leaders to announce the creation of the Regional Housing Coalition – a new organization that will align our regional housing resources to ensure we build the 200,000 new homes we need so that everyone in our region has access to safe and affordable housing. This is among one of the most ambitious housing goals in all of America. It is vital that we move with a sense of urgency and purpose, and in lockstep with our neighbors in Franklin County and adjacent counties, to make sure we're doing this the right way.
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Earlier this year, I had the privilege of unveiling the Capital Line – a new two-mile pathway woven through the heart of downtown Columbus. The project will include protected bike lanes, more pedestrian-friendly spaces and retail investment, bolstering our reputation as an inclusive, equitable and thriving city. |
We are committed to revitalizing the Eastland area. This year, we introduced the Eastland Community Plan — a collaborative project that will produce a shared framework for community, real estate and economic development. I’m particularly grateful that this year the Mid-Ohio Food Collective also announced plans for a new human services hub at the site of the former Kroger on Refugee Road, and Columbus State announced that they will be expanding their presence in the neighborhood with a 37-acre career development center.
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Over the summer, I was elected by my fellow mayors to serve as president of the United States Conference of Mayors. I look forward to working with mayors from across the country to share best practices for building more housing, reducing violent crime, expanding accessible and effective mental health services, creating jobs and combating the impact of climate change. I am deeply thankful for this opportunity.
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We are committed to decreasing violent crime in Columbus, and our efforts are generating results. We've seen an 17% drop in violent crime so far this year – while felonious assaults are down 27%. Our Neighborhood Safety Strategy focuses on prevention, intervention and enforcement, and we will continue to leverage every resource and partnership to keep our city safe.
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