Good Works Columbus: February 3, 2025
Intro
Hi everyone, welcome to Good Works Columbus, a newsletter highlighting actions you can take at the local level to help improve our community.
A couple notes about some changes to the newsletter. I’ve moved my platform over to Buttondown. Substack supports fascist hate speech and continues to double down on it. (If you have a newsletter over there, there are alternatives.) Since there are some costs for the new platform, I’m going to open up a ‘pay what you want’ model. The newsletter will remain free, but I appreciate any support.
If you have an upcoming event or a link you’d like to share for the newsletter, feel free to send suggestions. And if you know someone who might enjoy Good Works Columbus, forward it to them and tell them to subscribe here and follow on Bluesky.
Things you can do in person
The Future of Central Ohio Transit 🚍
Tuesday, Feb. 4 7:00PM
Whetstone Library 3909 N High St, Columbus, OH
Indivisible Central Ohio 2025 Kickoff Meeting
Saturday, February 8th
1:00PM-2:30PM
First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W Weisheimer Rd
Are you ready to take action? Join Indivisible Central Ohio for our 2025 kickoff meeting. We're ready to orient and engage new members, as well as refresh and re-energize those who have been with us from the beginning. All are welcome!Transit Columbus February Meeting 🚍
Tuesday, February 11th
7:00PM-8:30PM
Columbus Main Library, 96 S Grant St Meeting Room 2B
Join us for our monthly meeting! All are welcome.How We Can Affect the Statehouse
Saturday, February 15th
2:30PM-5:00PM
Columbus Main Library, 96 S Grant St
Kick off our 2025 journey with Meredith Lawson-Rowe, newly elected state representative for House District 5! She'll let you know how she moved from community activist to local change agent to Reynoldsburg City Council member and now to state representative.
Our guest expert Rachel Coyle will discuss what's going on in the Ohio Statehouse and how small actions you take, combined with the direct actions of other activists, can make a big difference in your community. Rachel created How Things Work at the Ohio Statehouse, a Facebook page you must follow, and the resources she's created help us all use our time and energy wisely. She'll talk through some basics about the statehouse and then introduce a few examples and resources.
Finally, we'll wind up the afternoon by putting your newfound knowledge into taking action on a state issue you care about. We'll have resources to help.
For more information and to register: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/744702/E Broad Bike Lane Survey 🚲
If you’ve traveled along E Broad St recently in the Near East you may have noticed the newly installed protected bike lanes. I’ve used them a few times and it’s certainly an improvement over the paint only lanes around the city. If you get the chance, try it out for yourself and be on the lookout for yard signs along the route with links to a survey for feedback.
Things you can do online
All Aboard Ohio Statewide Meeting 🚂
February 8th 10:00AM-11:30AM
Zoom
This month we're reviewing steps All Aboard Ohio is taking to prepare for a visit to the Ohio Statehouse as well as how you can engage your legislature and when it matters most.Stop SB 1 and HB 6: The Higher Education Destruction Act
SB 1 will ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at state schools, ban teachers from striking, and more. Tell your legislators and Gov. DeWine to Stop SB 1 and HB 6.MORPC Public Comment on Transportation 🚍
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has released a proposed list of new transportation projects to receive more than $52 million in federal funds from state fiscal years (SFYs) 2026 to 2031. MORPC is seeking public feedback on the proposed projects through Feb. 12, 2025. Check out Transit Columbus’ quick guide on the proposals as well as suggested language for feedback. Email TIP@morpc.org or add your comments to the map below.If you don’t have enough time to comment on every project, please prioritize giving feedback on the East Main BRT (bus rapid transit construction).
Express support for the project overall, but request/emphasize the need for dedicated bus lanes throughout the corridor. Point out that mixed traffic areas will slow the entire system and is counter productive to BRT
Stop Fracking in Egypt Valley 🛢️
From the Ohio Environmental Council:
The State of Ohio is considering whether to lease thousands of acres of Egypt Valley Wildlife Area! Make your voice heard by submitting a comment to the Oil & Gas Land Management Commission’s official portal and select nomination number 24-DNR-0011 for Egypt Valley!Voice your concerns for our State Public Lands and reference the OEC’s public comment on our website for some inspiration! Submit a comment at: https://ow.ly/15Wj50UMWkq
In Case You Missed It
LinkUS Engagement Survey (2 minutes)
Mark up the Vision Zero Columbus map. Have a close call walking, biking, or getting around town? Do you know a dangerous intersection that can be improved? Help identify these spots on the Vision Zero map.
Other Stuff
Things I’m Reading
Have a great day everyone and see you next week!
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