Good Works Columbus: January 8, 2024
Columbus budget feedback
Intro
Hi everyone, after a few weeks off welcome back! It’s probably too late to wish you a happy new year but I hope you had a nice holiday season. The new year brings focus on how we can change and grow. As a reader of Good Works Columbus, you’re probably thinking of ways to give back as well. This year I’m going to start volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. I’m curious if you are also finding new ways to give back in 2024 or maybe you’re continuing where you left off in 2023. Hit me up with your replies and feel free to leave a comment as well.
If you have an upcoming event or a link you’d like to share for the newsletter, feel free to send suggestions. Please let me know if I missed something!
Things you can do online
Provide written or virtual testimony to Columbus City Council on the 2024 operating budget. There’s also opportunities for in-person testimony this week and next, depending on the committee. The bad: Mayor Ginther’s plan calls for more police funding. The good: focus on housing and homeless, more funding for the city’s tree plan, and also public parks and street maintenance. Advocate for more of the good and put an emphasis on safety for pedestrians and bike riders for the infrastructure committee (e.g. more protected bike lanes).
In Case You Missed It
Give feedback on the Eastland Community Plan.
"Creating an inclusive and equitable new chapter for Eastland requires a bold, long-term vision. This consists of a framework that centers around people, places, and opportunity. It is critical to identify the needs, challenges, and opportunities for all the stakeholders within the Eastland community, from housing to education to employment to history and culture.
To create a community-driven vision, this planning process will engage Eastland area stakeholders who live, work, worship, play, and learn in the community. This will ensure the Eastland Community Plan will be a successful roadmap to a bright future for everyone.”
Take a survey to give feedback to the city of Columbus on its zoning update. The survey will ask you about building and housing preferences along the city’s main corridors as well as thoughts on parking minimums.
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.
Things to do in person
City Council budget hearing dates
Wednesday, January 10 at 5 p.m.
Finance & Governance Budget Hearing
Led by Councilmember Nick Bankston
City departments involved: Finance and Management, Treasurer, Technology, the Auditor's Office, and the Mayor's Office.
To provide written, in-person or virtual testimony, email Jonathan Brown at JBBrown@columbus.gov with the subject by Noon on the day of the hearing.
Thursday, January 11 at 5 p.m.
Economy and Workforce Budget Hearing
Led by President Pro Tem Rob Dorans and Councilmember Bankston
City Departments involved: Development, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Education, Human Resources, and the Civil Service Commission
To provide written, in-person or virtual testimony, email Kevin McCain at KBMccain@columbus.gov by Noon the day of the hearing.
Other Stuff
Results from the city’s Bike Plus survey have been gathered and the top concerns shared by the city. “Top concerns expressed in the survey include not feeling safe near fast moving cars (84%), not enough connections to trails, bikeways, and sidewalks (75%) and not enough trails, bikeways, or sidewalks in my neighborhood (50%).” Additional opportunities for feedback will be available in the spring.
Have a great day everyone, until next time.