Hi everyone, welcome to Good Works Columbus! Follow our Instagram account to see events and things during the week that may have missed the newsletter.

Things you can do in person

• An Evening With Green Columbus
  Thursday, July 30th, 6PM-9PM
  Budd Dairy Food Hall Rooftop
  1086 N 4th St. Columbus, OH
  An Evening with Green Columbus is a celebration for tree lovers, community builders, sustainability enthusiasts, and anyone who believes a greener Columbus is possible.

  This first-of-its-kind event brings together people who care about trees, neighborhoods, and the future of our city. Come, Bring a friend, and get ready to geek out about trees with people who get it.

  We're celebrating what's been growing and raising $25,000 for more tree plantings. Because if Columbus needs more shade, more beauty, and more green spaces, we might as well have a good time making it happen.

  The evening will feature live music, a Green Carpet step-and-repeat photo moment, networking, vegetarian bites, drink tickets, and a native tree auction. We'll also hear from special speakers and local green heroes helping shape the future of Columbus' urban forest.

• COTA Service Change Meetings
  August 6th or August 11th
  Service change meetings are a great opportunity to ask COTA questions or give feedback on service!
  
  Join us on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. or Tuesday, Aug. 11, at noon for public info meetings to discuss proposed service changes effective Sept. 7, 2026. You can attend:
  In person at 33 N. High St., WPG Boardroom
  
  On Facebook Live @COTAbus Learn more: COTA.com/servicechanges
  

  

• Flock Out of Columbus Rally
  Monday, August 10th, 3PM
  

  

  

• Review of Flock Safety Community Meeting
  Monday, August 10th, 4PM
  

  

  
  
  

• Habitat for Humanity Triplex Build with Strong Towns Columbus
  Saturday, August 15th 8:30AM-3:30PM
  Help Habitat build a triplex for 3 local families! There is no experience necessary. Tasks will vary and our helpful site leads will teach you everything you need to know. You must be 16 years or older (and accompanied by an adult 21 or over if you are under 18) to volunteer. Teams of youth volunteers must be accompanied by 1 adult per 5 youth.

• Columbus Arborfest
  Saturday, August 22nd
  Columbus ArborFest will take place on August 22nd from 12 to 5. We need volunteers before, during, and after the event to ensure things run smoothly.

  Please fill out the form below to sign up to be a volunteer!

Things you can do online

• Columbus Participatory Budgeting 2026

  Over the course of the next few months, residents will have the opportunity to submit project ideas, develop project ideas into proposals, and vote for final projects to improve our city. All Columbus community members over the age of 14 are invited to submit ideas, and anyone over the age of 16 is invited to participate in the final vote. The $9 million in capital funds will be distributed equally among the city's nine Council Districts.
  
  Visit the website to learn more, find in-person meetings, and submit your ideas!

• Building Energy Performance Standard Draft Feedback

• Columbus is looking to adopt a Building Energy Performance Standard Policy (BEPS) that will require large, existing buildings to decrease their energy usage overtime. As Columbus continues to grow it is critical that we grow sustainably so that all people and businesses are able to thrive in our city. A BEPS will help us achieve that by:

  • Reducing energy costs for residents and businesses.

  • Creating an ecosystem to support building owners in making their buildings healthier and more efficient.

  • Generating economic opportunities for all Columbus residents through local jobs and improved property values.

  • Take the survey here!

Things I’m reading/watching:

• Congress Budgeted Billions for Big Transit Projects. Trump Isn’t Spending It. from NYT

• Report: wages needed to pay rent in Ohio growing faster than income earned by renters from The Statehouse News Bureau

• Some COTA bus routes could run 24 hours as agency looks forward to bus rapid transit lines from WOSU

• Columbus City Council seeks public input on how to spend $1 million in District 7 from 10TV

• Hardin exploring how Columbus could loan money to housing developers from Columbus Dispatch
  

Have a great day everyone!

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