Good Works Columbus: April 14, 2025
Hi there! Welcome to Good Works Columbus, a newsletter promoting tiny actions to make the city a better place.
Before we get started today I want to remind folks that early voting has started for the upcoming May 6th primary election. Check out the Board of Elections website for more details.
Good Works Columbus is proud to endorse Jesse Vogel for Columbus City Council, District 7. Jesse is a hardworking, grassroots organizer that will bring that much-needed perspective to City Hall. He’s not just another politician content with the status quo — he’s a public servant ready to fight for real change. I’ve been especially impressed by Jesse’s positions on housing and transportation, two issues near and dear to the newsletter. This is a city-wide race so you don’t need to be in District 7 to vote. If you’d like to support Jesse, you can donate to his campaign at this link.
There are a few other contested races for the upcoming primary. I suggest following Senator Meow’s sample ballot. You can read further about their choices at their wonderful newsletter.
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Things you can do in person
Support Abortion Fund of Ohio and Eat Ice Cream
Wednesday, April 16th 11:30am-2:30pm
Jeni’s North Market
Matter News Community Conversations: The Essential Work of Mutual Aid
Thursday, April 17th 8pm
Two Dollar Radio HQ
Earth Day Columbus Volunteering
Various Dates in April
Throughout April you can volunteer with cleanups, community gardens, tree plantings and more. Check out https://www.earthdaycolumbus.org/volunteer#/ for more details. Here are a couple events coming up:Alum Creek Corridor Cleanup with FACT
Saturday, April 19th, 9:00am-12:30pm
Volunteers will help FACT clean up (and recycle as much as possible) trash litter from along Nelson Road and Alum Creek, through Academy Park and Wolfe Park, along the greenway trail from Broad Street to Main Street. Wear sturdy clothes, a hat if possible, and bring your favorite gloves if you have them. Other tools and supplies will be provided. FACT has been doing volunteer-driven community stewardship in the Alum Creek watershed since 1998!
Stoddart Avenue Community Garden
Saturday, April 19th, 10:00am-1:00pm
Stoddart Avenue Community Garden is gearing up for its SEVENTENTH growing season.Drink and snacks will be provided.
Clintonville's Midgarden: Spring Cleaning!!!
Sunday, April 20th, 12:00pm-6:00pm
If you so desire, please feel free to come and lend a helping hand by volunteering for our third major springtime event at the CRC's (Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center) Midgarden! Please dress accordingly for the weather and join us for one of our yearly spring cleanups! EVERYBODY is welcome!Bikes for All People Fundraiser
Sunday, April 27th
Big Darby Accord Workshop
Wednesday, April 30th, 6:00pm-8:00pm
4500 Hickory Chase Way, Hilliard, OH 43026
Please join representatives and leadership from Big Darby Accord participating jurisdictions to discuss water quality monitoring in the Big Darby Creek watershed.
What to expect:
- Overview of the Big Darby Accord Amendment process
- Water quality presentations from experts at the Ohio EPA, Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, and Midwest Biodiversity Institute
- Breakout table sessions to discuss challenges and potential opportunities and solutions related to water quality in the Big Darby Watershed Accord area
Please visit the project website for more information:
https://arcg.is/1nS1qa0Support FCW and Ride Bikes
Join us for a community ride as we haul a keg of beer and a keg of non-alcoholic Hop Water from Land Grant through Franklinton. This 7–8 mile ride starts at the shop, stops at Land Grant to pick up the kegs, visits the old Franklinton Post Office, stops at Franklinton Farms Learning Garden, and finishes back at the shop to tap the kegs, celebrate, and give our founder and director Jonathan Youngman a proper sendoff. We suggest a $25 donation to keep the event accessible for all, but please give what you can. If you can’t join the ride, you can still donate to help us reach our goal. Come ride, celebrate, and support FCW!
Register and donate here.
Things you can do online
West Case Branch Community Input
Columbus Public Library is adding a new library at the old OSU sheep farm in NW Columbus and is seeking public feedback in an online survey.Help Shape the Future of SR-161!
Zone In Columbus is updating the zoning map along SR-161/E. Dublin-Granville Road in Northland to support smart growth, create walkable communities, and expand opportunities for new housing and small businesses. This update will introduce modern zoning regulations that reflect community needs while establishing a fair, predictable, and accessible process for all.
Other Stuff
Things I’m Reading / Watching
Franklin Co. Democrats may not endorse a candidate in contested Columbus City Council primary from WOSU
Ohio House budget proposal seeks to change decades-long statewide affordable housing program from Ohio Capital Journal
These HUD Cuts Have Gotten Less Attention, But the Effects Will Still Be Harmful from Shelterforce
Have a great day everyone and see you next week!
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