Good Works Columbus: April 7, 2025
Intro
Hello! Welcome to Good Works Columbus, a newsletter promoting tiny actions to make the city a better place.
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Things you can do in person
Discussion on Transit and Housing with City Council District 7 Candidates
April 8th, 7pm at Daily Growler
702 S High St. Columbus, OH
In lieu of our normal April meeting, we’ll be hosting a discussion on transit and housing with district 7 city council candidates.The Columbus region is growing rapidly, and good transit and housing policy and implementation are critical to ensuring that that growth benefits Columbus communities rather than making life more difficult. City Council District 7 is home to some key transit projects and the transit-oriented development that goes alongside them. We plan to dig deeper into the candidates' positions on public transportation, housing issues, and ending traffic violence in the city of Columbus. Registration is free but space is limited - you must register to save your spot.
FLOW Worthington Tree Nursery Tree Pottings
Saturday, April 12th 12:30pm-2:30pm
Come help us pot up our 1800 saplings at the Worthington Tree Nursery! In order to help with the organization of the event, we are splitting it into two sections this year. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!Support Abortion Fund of Ohio and Eat Ice Cream
Matter News Community Conversations: The Essential Work of Mutual Aid
Support 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
Protect Trans Healthcare
The comment period for the proposed rule to remove trans care from the Affordable Care Act as an essential benefit is open until April 11th. Don’t wait to get your comments in and stand with trans people! For more info and a guide see this Bluesky thread.Save Library Funding
Ohio’s libraries urgently need your help! We need you to contact your state representative today and tell them not to cut library funding.The Ohio House of Representatives is currently working on the state budget for the next two years. The House Finance Committee accepted an amendment yesterday that eliminates the Public Library Fund and replaces it with a line-item appropriation, representing a $100 million cut to library funding compared to Governor DeWine’s budget.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Contact your state representative and Speaker Matt Huffman TODAY. Tell them to restore the Public Library Fund to the amount designated in the Governor’s proposed budget and share how important the library is to you and your family and how a cut to libraries would impact you and your neighbors.You can find your state representative’s phone number and email by searching your home address here. Speaker Huffman can be reached at rep78@ohiohouse.gov or (614) 466-6344.
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.Medicaid Public Comment
Public comment is now available for two Medicaid proposals: comment for a work requirement proposal by April 7th and a comment for continuous kids coverage by April 2nd.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.
ODOT STIP public feedback
Ohioans are encouraged to be a part of the process to shape the future of transportation in our state.The Ohio Department of Transportation is accepting public comments on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) for 2026 through 2029. The plan identifies the multi-modal transportation improvement projects that are scheduled for some phase of implementation throughout the state over the next four years.
The draft documents will be available for public review and comment through April 11, 2025.
Any comments concerning the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program may be submitted by email to Natasha.Turner@dot.ohio.gov
Other Stuff
Things I’m Reading / Watching
Timeline, Strategy Laid Out for Next Phases of Zoning Reform from Columbus Underground
Passenger Rail Funds Dropped from State Budget from Columbus Underground
Have a great day everyone and see you next week!
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