Good Works Columbus: January 27, 2025
Climate Justice, Fracking Public Comment Action, Bike Lane Feedback
Intro
Hi everyone, welcome new subscribers to Good Works Columbus, a newsletter highlighting actions you can take at the local level to help improve our community. By subscribing you’ll be getting weekly updates sent to your inbox on how to get involved in making Columbus a better place. I’ll be highlighting anything ranging from online surveys, that you can complete from the comfort of your home, to things that require you to get out of the house.
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.
Things you can do in person
Why Climate Justice Matters 🌎
Thursday, January 30th 6:00PM-7:30PM
1761 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH
Appalachian Prison Book Project 📚
Feb. 1-2 at Two Dollar Radio or Prologue Bookshop
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/Beers and Board Games benefiting Transit Columbus 🍻
Join Beers and Boards Games Club this month (and through March) to benefit Transit Columbus.
We play every week at rotating breweries around central Ohio and usually have between 20-40 attendees at each of our events. We always have new folks joining us, so whether you’re an experienced gamer or new to the hobby, we’d love to play with you — join our Facebook group or Discord server for the latest events and member discussions, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our quarterly-or-less email newsletter.Wednesday, January 29, 5:30-9:00pm
Olentangy River Brewing @ 303 Green Meadows DrThursday, January 30, 5:30-9:00pm
Nocterra Audubon @ 516 Maier Pl
The Future of Central Ohio Transit 🚍
Tuesday, Feb. 4 7:00PM
Whetstone Library 3909 N High St, Columbus, OH
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
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
Powell Bike Map Feedback 🚲
Open until January 30th
Feedback: https://tooledesign.github.io/Powell_SUP/
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
Newsletter logistics
I’m in the process of migrating the newsletter’s platform away from Substack to better align with the newsletter’s values. Substack continues to platform Nazis and white nationalists and it’s been an issue for that hasn’t gone away. Don’t expect any changes on your end. The newsletter will still be free, but I will be looking to open up optional payments as the new platform will have some recurring costs.
Have a great day everyone and see you next week!