Good Works Columbus: October 28, 2024
Issue 47 Canvassing, Gateway Union Petition, Ohio Rail Survey, and more
Intro
Hi everyone, happy Monday! If it’s your first time here, welcome to Good Works Columbus, a newsletter designed to give you small actions to take to make Columbus a better place.
The federal government is giving out another round of free COVID tests, you can sign up to get them here:
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
Vote! 🗳️
Early voting has started and there’s one final week before the 2024 General Election. Check out Senator Meow’s newsletter for a voter guide; if you missed it check out here along with their explanations and breakdowns.Issue 47 Canvass 🚍
Want better transit, more sidewalks, and more mobility lanes? Sign up to canvass and get out the vote for “Yes on 47”. The final two opportunities to canvass are Saturday, November 2nd at 10am and Sunday, November 3rd at 1pm. Meet at 545 E Town St Columbus, OH 43215 and choose what neighborhood you canvass.Cranksgiving Columbus 2024 🚲
Saturday, November 16th 10am-2pm
Combustion Brewery: 2971 North High Street Columbus, OH 43202
How does Cranksgiving work? Simple. Cranksgiving is a free event for anyone with a bike and a desire to do good. Show up on two wheels, and we’ll hand you a list of Thanksgiving food items to purchase for the Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resource Center Food Pantry. You'll then ride to local grocery stores, buy whatever you'd like to donate, and carry it by bike back to the food pantry. You can then return to our ride start/finish, Combustion Brewing, for some post-ride socializing and fun! We'll have a prize for the person who hauls the most donations by weight and a raffle for all participants!Capital Line Community Meeting 🚲
Wednesday, November 20 5:00-6:30pm
Downtown Innovation Lab: 139 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Join Downtown Columbus, Inc., MKSK, WSP and the City of Columbus to hear about the future Capital Line. You’ll have the opportunity provide your input on how this project can be a win for businesses, residents and visitors alike. Refreshments will be provided. You can RSVP here.
Things you can do online
Support Gateway Film Center United 🍿
The Gateway Film Center staff have formed a union - Gateway Film Center United. We are a dedicated group of employees who believe in the power of film to unite a community and provide opportunity and support to the filmmakers who inspire us. Earlier this week, we went public with a letter requesting voluntary recognition from the GFC Administration: President Christopher Hamel, Vice President Grace Cole, and Manager of Human Resources Chase Brown. We are asking the community to support our unionizing efforts.
Please join us as we call upon Gateway Film Center to recognize our union GFC United, formed with AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) Ohio Council 8, without delay and begin the process of negotiating our contract in good faith.Ohio Rail Development Survey 🚂
The Ohio Rail Development Commission is developing an update to its State Rail Plan.
The Ohio State Rail Plan update will provide current information on Ohio’s rail system and its role in the statewide transportation system, review passenger and freight rail issues and potential investments and opportunities, and establish the Commission’s goals and objectives for Ohio’s rail network. An updated State Rail Plan will help ensure that Ohio remains competitive for federal discretionary grant opportunities.
Sponsor a set of bike lights 🚲
Bike Lane Uprising is raising money to fund 200 more sets of bike lights for people in Columbus. Fund a set for just $14 and help them reach their goal.NHTSA Pedestrian Safety Feedback 🚘
Right now you can comment on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s proposal for regulating cars and trucks for pedestrian safety. Submit a comment and show your support for making it safer to be a pedestrian.ODOT Transportation Survey 🚍
We are requesting your participation in ODOT’s Transportation Preference Survey. We need feedback from people all around Ohio on emerging transportation topics like electric vehicles, connected and autonomous vehicles, walking, biking, transit, working from home and many others.ODOT Road Widening Feedback 🚘
Ohio Department of Transportation is seeking feedback for a road widening project on U.S. 33 in central Ohio. The project would add a lane in each direction and a projected cost of $128.4 million (Ohio appropriated $94.4 million for the state’s entire public transportation budget in 2024). Adding lanes only leads to induced demand and no actual decrease in traffic. Go tell ODOT we don’t need more lanes!
(~10-15 minutes) Columbus Park Plan 🌳
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is initiating the process of developing its next 10-year Vision Plan. This update will provide a vision and roadmap for the future of recreation programming and services, parks, facilities, trails, waterways and open space planning that scales the city’s recreation and parks system equitably to match Columbus’ place as the 14th largest city in the U.S. This plan will also serve as a guidebook for the department’s programming, development and policies to drive quality-of-life improvements for all Columbus residents.
Take the survey to shape the future of play, parks and open space!
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.
Have a great day everyone!